Fight Credit Card Fraud with Common Sense

By now, you have undoubtedly heard of credit card fraud, an alarming and damaging trend that is sweeping the country. Here's the bad news: It is disturbingly easy for thieves to obtain your credit card number--usually from discarded receipts or even directly from you. For instance, many solicitors masquerade as legitimate businesspeople--like those who offer vacation packages, for instance--when, in fact, they're looking for you to innocently hand over your credit card number so they can rack up illegal charges.

The good news is that there are many ways you can proactively and effectively protect yourself against credit card fraud:

-If your credit card has been lost or stolen, report it immediately to the card issuer. You are not obligated to pay for unauthorized charges once you report the loss.

-Sign new cards immediately once they arrive in the mail. Once you receive them, carry them in a separate case from your wallet.

-Notify credit card companies if you are about to move, either temporarily or permanently.

-Never offer your account number over the phone unless you're dealing with a reputable and legitimate company. If you have any question about a company, contact the Better Business Bureau (http://www.bbb.com ).

-Don't let your credit card out of your sight-not even for a minute-when you're using it. It only takes ten seconds for someone to covertly write down your account number and name.

-Things to destroy: Carbon copies and incorrect receipts. Things to keep in a safe place: A record of account numbers and legitimate receipts for comparison to billing statements.

-Don't sign blank credit card receipts. Draw a line through blank portions of the receipt where bogus charges can be added.

Above all, don't forget to use common sense when you're dealing with your credit card. Don't lend your card to anybody. Don't carry around cards you rarely use. And never, ever write your account number where someone can see it?not even on an envelope! You CAN prevent credit card fraud from happening to you and your loved ones by following these simple practices.

For more information on credit card fraud and other credit issues, please visit http://www.informedcredit.com

Beth West has an extensive background in marketing and public relations, serving in management positions in both the hospitality and software industries. Currently acting as the Director of Marketing for InformedCredit, Beth is also trying to launch a freelance writing business.

In The News:

pen paper and inkwell


cat break through


Simplifying Your Search For a New Credit Card

Today, selecting the proper credit card can be a bit... Read More

Identity Theft ? Monitor Your Credit Report

The recent security breach at credit card processor CardSystems Solutions... Read More

Common Credit Score Myths

A lot of credit score myths about fico score ratings... Read More

10 Dirty Tricks Credit Card Companies Play

The credit card companies make billions each year in legitimate... Read More

5 Killer Steps to avoid Credit Card SCAMS!

In August, 2004, the Federal Trade Commission issued their findings... Read More

What Is the Fair Credit Reporting Act and What You Should Know About It

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and the recent update... Read More

Credit Education

Having credit education is like knowing how to read. It... Read More

How a Credit Card Can Be Your Friend

We have all heard countless stories of people over their... Read More

How Does a Creditor Determine Whether to Grant You Credit?

Credit 101How does a creditor determine whether to grant you... Read More

What is a Credit Card?

A credit card allows you to buy things even though... Read More

Your Guide On Choosing a Credit Card To Suit You

Reach into your wallet or purse, pull out a card,... Read More

Automobile Credit Report

When applying for a loan to purchase a car, the... Read More

19,178 Identity Theft Victims Per Day - Are You One Of Them?

Identity theft statistics are shocking. And we are told that... Read More

The Hitchhiker?s Guide To Insanity

A new sickness is plaguing the UK called Denial. Denial... Read More

What You Need To Know About Credit Cards

What is a credit card? A credit card is... Read More

Which Business Credit Cards with Reward are the Best?

Thinking of applying for a credit card with a reward... Read More

How to Save Money on Your Credit Cards

Credit card companies make their money on the 85% of... Read More

Free Credit Reports Now Available From the FTC

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has set up a new... Read More

Warning: Todays Non Profit Credit Counselors Are Yesterdays Bill Collectors!

Here's a dirty secret, today's "non profit credit counselors" are... Read More

Our World Of Credit Cards! Which One Is Right For You

There are not many of us who do not have... Read More

Read and Understand Your Credit Card Statement

Have you ever looked at your credit card statement and... Read More

Credit Score: The Brightest Feather In Your Financial Cap

Credit scores are the most important aspect that determines your... Read More

Credit Repair Services vs. Do-It-Yourself Credit Repair

Millions of Americans suffer because of bad credit these days,... Read More

Bad Credit? No Credit? Yeah, Its a Problem.

Many companies use the slogan "Bad Credit? No Credit? No... Read More

Credit Repair Companies and Credit Counseling

Let's be crystal clear, right up front. Paying someone to... Read More

Credit Card Balance Transfers Explained

What is a balance transfer ? A balance transfer can... Read More

Why Does Your Credit Card Rate Keep Going Up?

Have your read your credit card contract through completely? Do... Read More

Searching For A Low Interest Credit Card?

These days, people need to very carefully consider what type... Read More

Bankruptcy Myths Busted

The average American knows very little about bankruptcy. Most people... Read More

Your Consumer Rights

If you have ever fallen behind on your debts you... Read More

Credit Help for Real Estate Financing: Five Categories of Your Credit Score

1. Payment History -- 35%The number of accounts paid as... Read More

Is Your Credit Score Being Held Against You?

Credit Scores That HurtIs your credit score being held against... Read More

Identity Theft ? How Can You Prevent It Happening to You?

The nightmare of identity theft strikes an estimated 750,000 people... Read More