How to Avoid Being A Victim of Credit Card Fraud

Credit cards have come a long way since it was first used in the US in 1920s. Today it is enjoying global popularity in almost any kind of business available. Along with it, credit card fraud is also becoming a growing trend for modern day thieves. All they need to steal is just your credit card number and voila, everything else follows. The next thing you know, your credit card has been used by another person who lives a thousand miles away, even from another country or continent, to make his own purchases. That leaves you to pay for these goods regardless of how expensive they may be. Even though you have been exercising self-control in spending, you may still end up with bad credit. In the credit bureaus eyes, you are guilty until proven innocent.

10 Quick and Easy Steps You Can Take To Protect Your Credit From Identity Thieves

How can you avoid being a victim of such credit card fraud? Take a look at these precautions and spare yourself the trouble:

* Never give your credit card number or any other credit card information to anyone. Whether over the phone or through email, dont give out any detail especially when you are told that its for verification purposes only.

* Do not write your credit card details or your PIN anywhere. Make sure that your list of these information is hidden in a safe place.

* Dont leave your card unattended. Never put down your credit card where it is possible for you to forget them. Dont put it on places where other people can have a good view on the card number.

* Dont put it in your wallet. Ideally, it is better to carry your credit card in a separate pouch or compartment. Dont put all your credit cards in one place and take only the credit card you need to use.

* Keep an eye on it. When making purchases at stores or supermarkets, keep an eye on your credit card at all times and ensure that you get it back as quickly as possible.

* Shred anything that contains your credit card number like used receipts, credit applications or past billing statements. Dont just throw them in the trash bin, make sure that they are ripped and torn to pieces. Although many businesses have started to remove your credit card number from the receipt there are still merchants that dont do that. Its up to you to make sure to destroy those receipts with your credit card number on them.

* Never enter your credit card information on a non-secured website.

* Always check that your credit card bills are correct and that there are no extra charges for anything you did not purchase. If you find any incorrect detail, call your credit card issuer immediately and point out these errors.

* If you have a change of address, advise your credit card issuers at once.

* If youre credit card is stolen, immediately report it to the credit card issuers. By law, lost credit cards or theft releases you from any responsibility or unauthorized charges made. If you would be asked to pay, the maximum liability required by the Federal Law is only $50.

Most of the above steps are really simple actions that are frequently overlooked by many people. Putting these steps into practice could save you from a lot of frustration.

If you have any complaint regarding credit card fraud or you want more information, you may visit www.ftc.gov or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357); TTY: 1-866-653-4261.

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