Tips to reduce your risk of credit card identity theft.
1. Only carry the credit card(s) you use on a daily basis. Leave the rest at home in a secured location.
2. Lower your credit card limit on the card you use every day. If you know how much you will be spending each month, lower your limit to that amount. Keep a second credit card, with a higher limit, in a secured location to be used for emergencies or on vacation.
3. If you have a debit/credit card, always use it as a credit card. This way you are protected under credit card laws which greatly reduces your financial liability.
4. Sign the back of your credit card, if not signed it is not a valid credit card. Besides, if I find your unsigned card all I have to do is sign it and now it will match my signature. You can also write “C I D” next to your signature.
5. Look before you swipe your card. Make sure you are not swiping it in a skimmer. When in doubt, find another location. Skimmers are typically found on fuel pumps, ATM machines and other self paying locations.
6. RFID (radio frequency Identifier). These are installed onto many credit cards. The technology allows you to just waive your credit card at the reader and it processes your transaction. This also allows a scammer to get your credit card information without ever touching or stealing your credit card. To reduce your risk, wrap your credit card in aluminum foil or purchase a credit card protector sleeve lined with aluminum.
7. Monitor all credit card statements on a regular basis (either weekly or monthly) for discrepancies.
8. If you find a discrepancy call the credit card company to dispute the charge(s), follow up with your dispute in writing, ask them to give you a new credit card number and make sure you receive written notification that the old, exposed account has been closed.
9. Opt out of prepaid credit card offers by calling 888-5-OPT-OUT. This will eliminate you receiving pre-approved credit card offers in the mail. Criminals steal mail in hopes of finding a pre-approved offer. They simply complete the application and get a credit card in your name.
10. Never use your debit/credit card online!!! For Internet shopping use a plain old credit card. This way if it is exposed the money is not taken from your bank account.
