Credit card fraud is all too commonplace,and identity thieves method can range from high-tech data breachers and internet scans to old-fashioned stolen mail.”
It would be one thing if your young once use your credit card to order pizza without asking. (You can ground him). But what if something entirely different happen? Like a complete stranger use it for a big screen t.v?
How !many times have you spotted unfamiliar transaction on your credit or debit card statements? Even once of many time right? Credit card fraud can be uncertain because most time will don’t really know how it happens. That is why in today’s information age. Your credit card information is at risk for theft, fortunately, you can try to avoid credit card Fraud by keeping your credit card information extra safe.
How did they get your personal information.
Targeting retailers is only one way internet thieves can get access to your personal information. Once, penetrators of creating card fraud used simple strategies to gather and disseminate our information, but improvement in technology have forced them to switch gears and improve their own processes over time. With technology taking the place of receipts and records in most places, modern crooks now turn to the internet for their bounty.
During the last few years, huge security breaches have taken place at retailers, such as target, Michael’s, P.F Chang’s and many more, during the target data breach alone, as many as 70 million customers had their data exposed, often with drastic consequences.
According to Washington post, expert interviews. The target data breach allowed crooks access the name, addresses, and credit card numbers of millions of customers.
But in order for fraud-stars to get your name, address, social security number, and financial account information, they don’t stop at targeting retailers. They have come out with several ways and process to get your information. From any of the above means.
- Stealing pause, wallet, and mails.
- Stalking on social media and send phishing emails.
- Attacking a “skimming” device to an ATM card reader to your information.
- Getting access to electronic databases that contains customers information.
Protecting yourself today from credit card Fraud.
Once your most personal financial information get in this wrong hands. The Skye is the limit. From contacting your creditors and change your mailing lists, to apply for and open new credit card accounts. And talking the best holiday credit card can afford. Not only can they on lavish spendings, but with the right information. They can even file taxes and secure a huge refund in your name.
But taking at heart how sophisticated this crooks are, you may feel defend-less how ever there are few things you can do to maximize your chance of failing victim to this wrong hands.
1. Keep credit cards and card information safe from thieves:
Keep your credit card safe by keeping the pulse. Or wallet, close to your body. So that they can’t be snatched away in high traffic areas. It’s better to carry a smaller pulse because its a smaller target.
Never expose your card longer than necessary. Remember that thieves can takes pictures of your credit card with a camera or cell phone, when the purchase is made. Put the card away immediately. And always make sure you have the credit card at your possession, before leaving the store or restaurant. It’s easily misplaced and can be very damaging if that information is exposed. Even for the short time.
3. Protect your mail.
It’s smart to have trusted friend, neighbor or family member pickup your mail daily, when leaving town, or get it held out at the post office.
Or refrain letting everybody around, know you are out of town. By not posting vacational pictures, on social media like Facebook. Such doings may alert wrong crowds that you are not at home.
3. Be smart at shopping online.
If you enjoy shopping online, make sure your computer is safe. Install reliable and automatically updated virus software on your computer and be sure a secure wireless network.
When paying online, make sure the website is secure by looking for “https” at the beginning of the web address, and use passwords that are at least 10 character long.
4. Check statement and receipts closely.
Sign of credit card fraud is usually seen through unauthorized charges. If you noticed a charge you didn’t accrue (no matter how small), report it immediately to your credit card issuer. The company can tell you whether to close the account and get a new account number.
When you receive your credit card bill, go over it carefully and reconcile the charges, like you could do with a bank account.
When you receive a credit card bill, go over it carefully and reconcile the charges, like you would with bank account.
Always verify the amount on your credit receipt before signing it. If there are blank spaces, write $0 in those spaces or draw through them before signing. Be sure to store all receipt in a safe place.
5. Take advantage of federal liability protection.
The fair credit billing act limits your liability to $50 in event of credit card theft. Some banks, will even walve this amount when you provide additional documentation regarding the theft.
If you see unknown transaction on your credit card statement, but still have the card, it may have been cloned. You have to report such transactions.
6. Check your credit report regularly.
The fair credit reporting act (FCRA) entitles you to a free credit report from each of the credit reporting agencies once per year. You can order three reports at once, or rotate your request to receive a new credit report every four months.
The only official site for obtaining free records is Annual credit report. Or you can also call(877)322-8228 to order a free report if you would rather not do it online.
What if you are a victim of credit card fraud theft.
If you become a victim, there are several steps you can take to minimize damage and protect your identity going forward. These tips can help.
- Contact all our credit card providers. The faster you alert them the easier it will be to limit the damage.
- Place a credit fraud alert on your credit report: you can do this by contacting, experian, Equifax, or trans Union. And requesting that a credit fraud alert be added to your credit file, those companies will pass the notice onto the thee two agencies, and creditors will know to be on the lookout for suspicious activity.
- File for police report: making local authorities aware of an instance of credit card fraud can help prevent more occurrences. You will LSO want a copy of the report to use when filling notices with credit agencies and credit card providers.
- Freeze fraudulent accounts: you will have to call all the
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