Credit/Debit Card fraud problems began when thieves found out ways to get confidential information such as bank account details from their victims. In fact this kind of problem became an accessory to identity theft. This is possible if the thief knows all necessary information about you. They can use it to their advantage by claiming as you and using your credit card for their personal transactions. Often times such incidences are not detected immediately until the victim receives their billing statement or bank account statement and began to notice unnecessary purchases that they did not even make.
Situations such as this can always be prevented. To help you get an idea how to avoid credit card fraud, here are some lists on what you should do and don't do to make sure your card is safe.
1. Information related to your credit/debit cards is confidential. You must not divulge it to anybody. If you buy items online make sure that the company is legit. In fact research more about that company as a precaution.
2. Always treat your credit/debit cards as though they are cash. If you take extra measures to make sure that your cash is safe or to prevent yourself from getting robbed, then do the same for your cards also. Keep in mind that cards are more valuable like cash. If you lose your card, some people might take advantage of it by acquiring goods and/or services. The downside of it is if your credit limit is high, they will have a good time shopping. Compared to cash, they can only buy products that are dependent on how much cash they have stolen.
3. Make sure that your credit card has your signature on it. Use a permanent marker so that it won't erase every time you use it. The signature shown on the card will be use by the cashier as reference when you sign your receipt. If the signature does not match, the cashier will automatically tell the authorities or their superior of possible fraud activity.
4. Always keep a copy of all the receipts that you paid using your card. When your billing statement arrives, cross check it to the receipts that you have. If it doesn't add, call your credit card issuer. Also if there are transactions that are not familiar to you, tell them also.
5. Inform your bank and your credit card company that you will be having a change of address. This will make sure that your bank account statement or billing statement gets directly to you. If you do not tell them, other people might get hold of it and use it against you.
6. If you lose your credit/debit card, tell your bank and/or your credit card issuer immediately. This action will automatically hinder all transactions made once you report it to them. If there are transactions made after you report it, your bank or credit card issuer can immediately act on it.
Now that you know what you should do to avoid being a victim of credit card fraud, make sure that you always keep this in mind. Remember, becoming a victim to credit card fraud is partly your responsibility. If you are more vigilant on taking extra measures to make sure that you won't fall under this category, you wouldn't have to experience it. Therefore, always be careful in your credit/debit card transactions.