Credit Fraud Secrets Thieves Don't Want You To Know
By Dave Robinson
dave[at]secretuncovered.com
http://www.my-credit-report.info
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Have you ever been a victim of credit card fraud? If so, you know
just how traumatic it can be. What’s more, if you don't detected
it early enough, it could leave bad marks on your credit report
that could haunt you for many years. The most commonly thought of
credit card fraud is when your wallet or purse is stolen, and the
thief uses your credit cards to make unauthorized purchases.
But, with the increasing rate of online buying, another form of
credit card fraud—known as misappropriation—is spreading like wildfire.
These days the only thing a thief needs to create havoc on your
credit life is your credit card number—not your actual card.
Here are just a few ways that this type of fraud can happen to
you:
* One day your telephone rings, you answer and the person on the
other end of the line tells you that they have a one time special
offer, good for today only—and that you simply need to provide them
with your credit card number to make a purchase. STOP! Don’t ever
give out your credit card number to anyone who calls you. Only provide
this kind of information if you have called the company to place
an order, and you are positive that it is a well-established reputable
business.
* You find that someone has gone through your trash. Then when
you receive your credit card statement, you find that there are
dozens of unauthorized charges. STOP! Always tear up your credit
card receipts and bank statements before putting them in the trash.
Better yet, buy a paper shredder from a local office supply. Many
thieves go through unguarded trash bags specifically looking for
your credit card staments.
* You go out to eat in a restaurant and pay the bill with your
credit card. On your next credit card statement, you notice that
there are unauthorized charges that started the same day as your
restaurant meal. It turns out that the waiter made an extra imprint
of your card when he rung up your bill, and then used the number
to go shopping. The solution? Many restaurants have placed their
credit card processing centers in plain view of the customer’s sight
to combat this problem. If not, you could follow the waiter to the
charge station, and watch him throughout the process. It’s also
important to make sure that they know that they are being watched.
You may be wondering if there are other measures that you can take
to make sure you aren’t a victim of credit card fraud? Yes there
is and here are a few suggestions.
* If possible, carry your credit cards and other bank information
somewhere other than your wallet or purse. This way, if a thief
nabs it, you will be out only your cash—not your credit cards.
* Another way is to only take the credit card that you intend to
use that day—leave the others at home.
* Make a list of all your credit cards and keep it in a safe place,
make sure to list the numbers and contact information of the issuing
company. That way, if you do lose them, you’ll have the information
necessary to contact the credit card company as soon as you notice
the theft.
* Never sign a blank receipt, and always be sure to cross out blank
lines. For example, if you bought something that didn’t require
a tip, cross out the tip line so nobody can add to it later.
* If you're making a purchase online, be sure that you do so via
a secure site.
* If you move, report your new address to your credit card issuer
immediately. Also fill out a change of address form at the post
office. Sneaky thieves are on the look out for people moving, and
then watch the mailbox of the old house, hoping that they can intercept
a credit card statement.
Following the above suggestions doesn't guarantee you'll never
be a victim of credit card fraud, but it will greatly reduce your
chances.
About the Author: If you would like to get more
credit information you can visit our website which contains many
credit resources. http://www.my-credit-report.info
This article is copyright 2005, but can be freely reprinted, as
long as no changes are made, including hyperlinks.
Source: www.isnare.com
Published - November 2005
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