Protection From Identity Theft – 9 Tips To Protect Your Debit And Credit Cards
If a person wants your identity, nothing will prevent them from making you become a victim of identity theft.
What makes this crime so easy?
They can commit these crimes so easily because all too often, people mishandle important papers or are careless with information in the workplace. There are also too lenient credit industry practices and the total effortlessness of getting social security numbers.
You can reduce your chance of being the victim of fraud by following nine simple steps. These are:
Regarding Credit and Debit Reports
1. Do not let it become habit on carrying both the credit and debit cards at the same time. It’s also a wise idea not to use the debit card because they lose more out of the checking account.
However, you can carry at least one credit card on you, perhaps two as well as your ATM card. Should you be used to the debit card, regularly check your online account to detect signs of fraud or theft. As soon as you see discrepancies, report it to your bank or credit card company.
2. When using the debit or credit card, be cautious about how these cards are swiped and how they are handled.
Some restaurant employees and many other places, are using non-detectable skimmers that can pull off account numbers from personal computers. By getting this information, they can achieve to buy products online or make counterfeit cards.
3. Never use your debit card online when you shop. Instead use a credit card. These cards often offer better protection in case of fraud.
4. Keep a list of the cards you have and make a separate list for account numbers, expiration dates and customer service phone numbers in case the cards are lost or stolen.
Put these in a safe place so you can use them for immediate access should you need to.
5. Never give out your personal information out online, by phone or by mail. Only if you trust the person enough do you attempt to do this.
A strategy thieves like to use is calling victims by saying they have won a prize of some sort but the only way to get the money is to give out personal data. Never do this!
6. Don’t throw your receipts just anywhere. Shred them if they are not needed and place them in a trash can not frequently used.
Place shopping receipts inside your purse or wallet, not on your bag.
7. Never write your credit card number on your checks. This is a violation in some states but really exposes it to thieves.
Doing this, opens you up to being a victim.
8. Check the mailbox especially if you are waiting on something important including credit cards or credit statements. People could be peeking out to steal them before you can check.
Should the card not arrive when it is suppose to call the credit company to be sure the card did not fall into the wrong hands.
9. Do not forget to request your credit report once a year. A law was passed so the three credit bureaus have to give you a free copy each year.
Should your report show signs of mishandling or unusual charges or credit reporting, look into them and make disputes.
The sooner the fraud is found, the quicker it can be resolved and get your finances back in order.
It is so important to remember these tips because it can make the difference between having good credit and having negative aspects by credit issuers who think you are the one making bad marks.
Abhishek Agarwal
http://www.articlesbase.com/personal-injury-articles/protection-from-identity-theft-9-tips-to-protect-your-debit-and-credit-cards-754144.html