10 Tips To Prevent Credit Card Fraud

Imagine opening your credit card statement one morning and
discovering to your horror that you suddenly owe thousands
of dollars - on purchases that you never made.

Impossible?

Credit card fraud on the rise, so you need to treat your
card and its information with extreme care.

Here are 10 tips to help insure you're not the victim of
thieves and fraudsters:

1. Sign new and replacement cards immediately.

2. Destroy the old cards by cutting them into pieces and
shred all old receipts and bills.

3. Don't fax your credit-card number, if possible. Remember,
the faxed document could remain in sight at the other end
for long periods of time.

4. Don't give your card number over the phone unless you
have initiated the call.

5. Destroy any carbon paper if it's used as part of the
credit card transaction. Somebody can grab it and forge
your signature.

6. Don't respond to any "scam" e-mails requesting your
credit card number.

7. Never send your credit card number in an e-mail to
anyone!

8. A good option for discouraging theft is to choose a
credit card that includes your photo and signature on the
card.

9. If you have questions about mistakes or unauthorized
items on your statement, you have the right to challenge
them.

10. If your card is lost, stolen, or you suspect fraudulent
use, call your company's 24-hour hotline immediately to
prevent your card from being used as little as possible. The
company will block its use, and you won't be responsible for
any charges made by thieves.

You'll never deter fraudsters completely. But you can
certainly make life as difficult as possible for them.