Tips on how to protect yourself from credit fraud
Identity theft and credit fraud are some of the most terrible crimes committed to credit card holders. If unfortunate, one can lose a lot of money once his personal information gets stolen and used by thieves. So, it is best to take necessary steps in order to be protected. Here are a few tips:
• One should sign his new credit card immediately upon receiving it. If the card received is a replacement for an old one, the old one should immediately be disposed off properly by cutting it to several pieces.
• All billing statements and receipts should be shredded if it is time to dispose them. This is to protect all the personal information indicated there so that identity theft can be avoided.
• Protect your credit card details at all times so sending a fax with your card number on the paper should be a no-no. The number can be exposed to so many people prior to its delivery to the target recipient. Do not disclose the credit card number carelessly to anyone unless you have established the credibility and trustworthiness of that other party.
• If you are going to transact online, make sure that you are using a URL that begins with “https”. The “s” signifies that the site is secured for payments. There should also be a padlock symbol at the right hand corner of the screen to symbolize that there is a facility for secured payment.
• Report to the credit company immediately if you have any doubts about identity theft or fraud in order for the matter to be attended with promptly and quickly.
These simple tips can help avoid any hassles caused by malicious intentions of other people especially where finances are concerned.
People do need to check their trash – these are good tips. I have two posts about knowing someone by their trash and making trash runs.
People should be aware of what they throw away.
I used to write check ID on the back of my cards instead of signing them but hardly anyone actually checked.
I do use a shredder.
Great post on Credit Fraud. We can always read more tips credit. Your second to last one is very useful, people often forget that, thanks again!
Jonathan Muller
I am always careful with my card details, but my details have still been stolen twice in the last 18 months!
I use my card so much at so many different places – that I’ll probably never find out how the details were obtained.
Shredding one’s documents is always recommended, and I would recommend changing one’s global password every few months, because we never know if someone is using our password to view our information, but leaving everything as it is.
Just don’t own any at all.lol Mon
This is some excellent information. There are many people that don’t realize how easy it is to have your information stolen.