Eight simple steps to prevent credit card identity theft
Credit card identity theft is rising at an appalling rate and it is a significant problem across the country. Criminals can perform identity theft quite easily due to lenient credit industry norms, careless data management in the offices and the simplicity of getting Social Security Numbers. Most recently, a number of credit card processing companies have been noticed to commit identity theft. FIA Credit Services is one such company that has been in the news headlines for quite some time.
If you become a victim of credit card identity theft, checking your credit report at regular intervals would help you detect it soon. However, you can prevent credit card identity theft by following some simple steps.
Eight steps to avoid credit card identity theft
Step 1: Carry less number of credit cards
Cut down the number of credit cards you have in your wallet. Only carry one or two credit cards with you. If possible, carry an ATM or debit card. Use them carefully and make the most of the online accessibility to your bank account to keep tabs on account activity on a regular basis. If you detect any sign of fraud, inform this to the bank instantly.
Step 2: Be watchful
While using your credit card at a restaurant or a shopping mall, keep a close watch on how your card is swiped by the clerk or waiter. Unscrupulous employees have been identified to use portable gadgets known as skimmers to swipe the credit card fast and download the account number details onto a PC afterwards. The miscreant utilizes the account details for Internet shopping or generating fake credit cards.
Step 3: Write down all the card details
Maintain a list or xerox copies of all your credit cards. Write down the expiry dates, account numbers and phone numbers of fraud departments and customer services. Keep all the details in a safe place (not in your purse or wallet) so that you can promptly get in touch with the credit card company if your cards are stolen or your card accounts are being utilized illegally.
Step 4: Only provide your details to a reliable company
Don’t provide your credit card number, Social Security Number or any other personal details on the telephone, through e-mail or over the Internet if you don’t have a reliable business association with the company.
Step 5: Always carry the credit card receipts with you
Carry your credit card receipts with you all the time. Don’t throw them into a public trash bin. While shopping, keep receipts in your wallet and not in the shopping bag.
Step 6: Avoid writing your card number on your checks
Don’t allow your credit card number to be mentioned on your checks. It is a breach of California Law (Civil code section 1725) and statutes in a number of other states and exposes you to fraud.
Step 7: Check mail
See the mail if you hope to receive a reissued or new credit card. Talk to the issuer if the card does not reach you.
Step 8: Check your credit report
Request your credit report once every year as a minimum. If you have fallen prey to identity theft, your credit report would reflect discrepancies like inquiries not made by you or credit accounts not opened by you. The sooner you identify fraud, the faster you can rectify your credit report and get back on track.