How to Protect Your Identity
No matter where you use your credit-card, fraud is always a threat, whether shopping on the Internet or in the real world. Hackers have found ways to steal credit-card numbers from Web sites just as thieves and unscrupulous salespersons have ways to access your information from the card itself.
Stories about the dangers of identity theft have made their way into newspapers and onto television. While identity theft is not actually commonplace, it does happen. Luckily consumers are protected by law, at least to some extent. In the case of credit-card fraud whether on the internet or in the real world, you are only liable for up to $50 of the amount charged without your consent. In fact, if you notify your card company as soon as you misplace your card or realize that there is a fraudulent charge, they may not even hold you responsible for that much.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the media are watching this issue closely. More and more regulations are being put into place to prevent your information as a consumer from being sold or shared. The mailing-list issue can be controlled if you pay attention when you are completing any credit-card application or internet form. Most application forms now provide a box that must be checked to either allow or disallow the sharing or selling of your information to mailing lists or other companies. Another way to protect yourself is by taking your name off the credit bureaus’ mailing lists. You can do this is by visiting https://www.optoutprescreen.com. On this site you can simply fill out a form to opt out of receiving any pre-approved credit or insurance offers in the mail. You can also call 888-5-OPT-OUT (888-567-8688) or simply write to the major credit card bureaus and request that your named be removed from their mailing lists.
There are a few simple steps that you can take to protect yourself and your credit card no matter where or when you will use it.
1. Sign your card as soon as it arrives in the mail.
2. Any time that you enter your PIN, such as at an ATM, do it in a way that no one can easily memorize your keystrokes. Blocking the view of anyone behind you with your body, keeping your hands in front of the pad to help block which finger and button is being pushed, and using both hands instead of just one can all help with this.
3. Don’t leave your receipt behind. This is true everywhere, but specifically at any ATM or self-pay machine such as those at gas stations. Your PIN or account number from a discarded receipt could turn you into a victim of credit-card fraud.
4. Do not throw out your credit card statement, receipts or any other personal records without first shredding them. This should also apply to any offers for new credit cards or loans.
5. Never give your credit-card number over the telephone unless you are the one who made the call and you are certain that the number is to a legitimate business.
6. Even when you are the one who places the call to a legitimate merchant such as a mail-order company, you should never say your card number while using a cordless phone. Radio scanners are available for a few hundred dollars at any electronics store that can listen in on these conversations. Your voice can be received by one from a distance much greater than the range of your cordless phone.
7. Ignore any offer, especially those sent to you in the mail or through email that asks you to send money up-front, fails to disclose the full identity of the company or person making the offer, or asks for any personal information. If you are interested, contact the company directly, and its best to check with the better business bureau first.
8. Always be certain that you get your card back after you make any purchase.
9. Keep a list of all credit cards, credit-card numbers, and toll-free numbers in a safe place separate from your wallet in case your card is ever stolen or lost.
10. Check your monthly statement to be certain all charges are your own, and immediately notify the card issuer of any errors or unauthorized charges.
Identity theft is a real concern, but you can protect yourself and greatly reduce the possibility that it will ever happen to you. Just be a careful and responsible credit card user.