- Keep an eye on your credit or debit card every time you use it, and make sure you get it back as quickly as possible. Try not to let your card out of your sight whenever possible.
- Be very careful to whom you give your card. Don’t give out your account number over the phone unless you initiate the call and you know the company is reputable. Never give your credit or debit card information out to anyone that calls you. (For example, if you’re told there has been a ‘computer problem’ and the caller needs you to verify information.) Legitimate companies don’t call you to ask for a credit or debit card numbers over the phone.
- Never respond to emails that request you provide your credit or debit card info via email — and don’t ever respond to emails that ask you to go to a website to verify personal (and credit or debit card) information. These are called ‘phishing’ scams.
- Never provide your credit or debit card information on a website that is not a secure site. A website is secure if it has “https:” in the URL and the lock in the bottom right corner of the browser window.
- Sign your credit cards as soon as you receive them.
- Shred all credit card applications you receive.
- Don’t write your PIN number on your credit or debit card — or have it anywhere near your card (in the event that your wallet is stolen).
- Never leave your cards or receipts lying around.
- Shield your card number so that others around you can’t copy it or capture it on a cell phone or other camera.
- Only carry cards that you absolutely need. Don’t carry extra cards that you rarely use.
- Open credit card bills promptly and make sure there are no unusual charges. Treat your credit card bill like your checking account — reconcile it monthly. Save your receipts so you can compare them with your monthly bills. You can also log into your account online for real time transactions.
- If you find any charges that you don’t recognize — report these charges promptly (and in writing) to the credit card issuer.
- Always void and destroy incorrect receipts.
- Shred anything that contains your credit or debit card number on it.
- Never sign a blank credit card receipt. Carefully draw a line through blank portions of the receipt where additional charges could be fraudulently added.
- Carbon paper is rarely used these days, but if there is a carbon that is used in a credit card transaction, destroy it immediately.
- Never write your credit or debit card account number on anything that may be visible to the public in a public place (such as on a payment slip that may shows through the envelope payment window). Ideally, it’s a good idea to carry your credit or debit cards separately from your wallet — perhaps in a zippered compartment or a small pouch.
- Never lend a credit or debit card to anyone.
- If you move, notify your credit card issuers in advance of your change of address.
If you believe you have been a victim of Credit or Debit Card fraud, contact the telephone number listed on your credit card immediately.