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Where there is money, there is the risk of fraud and theft... whether it is a credit card, a debit card, an online or offline back account... if you have money, it is vulnerable. So here is how to deal with fraud! 1> Stage 1 - Prevention: Here's a list of precautions: * Prevention - Keep it Private: Most of the time... you do not have to worry about thieves getting your card... you need to worry about those you have voluntarily given your card to like "friends and family!" If the card is not theirs they will not be as protective of it... as you are. If "friends and family" need your help in making a purchase, instead of handing over the card to them, make the purchase for them yourself. * Prevention - Shred Your Trash: If you do not keep your credit card statements, then shred them with a machine (do not just tear them up). Toss half the shredded mass one time and the other half another time. It pays the scamsters if they sift through your garbage and find your precious credit card details. * Prevention - Never Lose Sight of Your Card: Especially if the merchant is not known to you, always keep your card in sight. This is crucial if you are a tourist on vacation (sophisticated card duplication devices can copy your card, run up your balance, and you come home to a huge bill). Make sure your card is "swiped" only once (employees in the back can swipe it multiple times). Always get a copy of the receipt and never leave it lying around unattended. * Prevention - Never Sign Your Card: Every credit card has a small white space on the back side where you can ink your signature. The credit card companies advise that your signature helps to verify your identity and so cuts down on identity theft. They say that merchants always check the back for your signature... but they rarely do. Thieves often use that signature when charging and since it looks like yours... the credit card company will make you pay for all "verified" signatures. A better way to protect yourself is to get a photo-id credit card. * Prevention - Online Use Reputable Front Ends: The best way to protect your credit card details... is to limit who you share them with. Online, you can protect yourself by using reputable payment services (like PayPal, an eBay company - to apply see click here to signup for a F~R~E~E PayPal account). These payment services are the only ones who know your details... and - if something goes wrong - they are on your side! * Prevention - Get Verified: Online or offline, be sure to get verified. Offline, use only automated phone systems to get verified. Online, use only secure forms to get verified. NEVER reveal critical details like your account number, PIN number, or password over the phone or by email to "credit card representatives". You will NEVER be asked for this information by genuine credit card suppliers (check the fine print on the agreement). * Prevention - Be Smart: If you have a PIN number, memorize it. Do NOT keep your PIN number with your card (do not write it on the card!). Do not choose an obvious PIN number (your phone number or birthday). Change the PIN from the original value (if possible). Never give your PIN number to anyone. * Detection - Be Prepared: Keep your credit card details up-to-date! Always have a list of your account numbers, customer service numbers, handy. Keep your credit card company informed about changes in your personal details like changes of name, address, and phone (at least two weeks before you move). This keeps your credit card communications from going astray... and keeps you ready to report fraud. * Detection - If You Even Suspect: If you even suspect that you have lost your credit card or that it has been compromised, immediately inform your credit card company so that they can shut down the card. Check your statements as soon as they come and report any suspicious transactions immediately. |
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