The United Kingdom-based Maximized Living Family of Companies proudly sponsors a multitude of programs designed to keep consumers safe and protected. For example, the Maximized Living Family of Companies works to protect your online privacy, helps you avoid auto insurance scams and even helps you recover from a scam if you ever fall victim.
The Maximized Living Family of Companies is always on the lookout for ways to keep you safe. They carefully research issues from all kinds of scams even going as far as keeping your loved ones safe from the dangers of cults. As part of the ongoing effort to keep you safe, the Maximized Living Family of Companies has created a series of articles.
Today’s article is on seven ways to avoid credit card fraud including how to keep your card safe, using your card online safely and the important habit of shredding information.
In researching the story, Maximized Living Family of Companies also learned that it is critical to review your bills carefully to stay on top of your charges and to report any fraudulent activity immediately to your credit card company.
A recent About.com report lists ways to keep your credit cards safe from fraud.
So how you keep credit card fraud from happening to you? Follow these seven steps and you can avoid credit card fraud. Remember your credit card information is always at risk for theft. Keep it safe and don’t be fooled by scammers who try to trick you.
1. Keeping your credit cards safe.
Your credit cards should remain in a purse or wallet close to your body where it can’t easily be snatched away. Only take it out when you are about to use it and replace it immediately. Ladies, keep that purse zipped. A smaller purse is recommended if you’re shopping in a high traffic area. Both men and women should carry only the one or two credit and debit cards you plan on using that day. Leave all other credit cards at home.
Crafty thieves will often try and take pictures of your credit card with a camera or cell phone, so don’t expose your credit card any longer than necessary.
Once a purchase is complete put your credit card away immediately. Reconfirm you have your credit card back in your possession before you leave the store or restaurant.
2. Shredding anything with your credit card number on it is a good idea.
Don’t just toss your credit card billing statements directly into the trash. Instead shred them to keep dumpster divers from getting their hands on your credit card number. This also applies to old credit cards that have expired or been cancelled. It’s even a good idea to put the shredded pieces in different trash bags to thwart thieves who can put shredded pages back together.
3. Never sign blank credit card receipts.
Always verify the amount on your credit card receipt before signing it. And, if you get a credit card receipt that has blank spaces in it, it’s a good idea to write $0 in those spaces or draw through them before putting your signature on the card. If left blank, the cashier could write in an amount and send the purchase to your credit card issuer.
4. Try to avoid giving out your credit card information.
It’s important that you only give out your credit card number or other sensitive information on calls initiated by you to customer service by calling only the number on the back of your credit card. Never return calls to a phone number left on your answering machine. Also, don’t give your credit card number to anyone who calls you requesting the number. Thieves are known to pose as credit card issuers or other businesses to trick you into giving out your credit card information.
5. Be careful with your credit card online.
Only enter your credit card number on secure websites that you can be 100% sure are legitimate. To be sure a website is secure, look for a lock in the lower right corner of your internet browser. If you are not 100% sure you put yourself at risk of phishing scams.
6. Immediately report lost or stolen credit cards.
The quicker you report a missing credit card the less likely you’ll have to pay for any fraudulent charges. Write down or photo copy your credit card companies’ customer service number now so you’ll have it if your credit card is ever missing.
7. Regularly review your billing statements.
The first indicator of credit card fraud is unauthorized charges. If you see a charge you didn’t make, no matter how small, report it to your credit card issuer immediately. Your credit card issuer will explain whether you should close your account to avoid credit card fraud.