Ways That Credit Cards Can Lose Your Credit

Credit card holders are being ripped off now more than ever. A little education and some sound judgment will protect your card and your credit.

Never give your credit card number over the telephone unless you initiated the call or purchase. One of the more prevalent scams involves calling a cardholder and posing as the credit card company asking to verify your card number. Obviously, your card issuer knows your card number but a surprising number of people fall for this ruse.

The internet can be fruitful for unscrupulous people who want your credit card number. When making a purchase on the internet, always make sure you are using a secured site. You will know the picture of a small closed padlock in your toolbar secures it.

By double clicking on the lock, you can access the security certificate and if the name on the certificate matches the site, you are shopping a legitimate online store.

Phishing is another popular scam, this one through your email. Never respond to an email asking you to go to an internet site and verify your credit card information! Even if it is a secured site and appears safe, no legitimate business will send you an email with such a request.

When using your credit card in a public establishment, shield the information as much as possible. One of the most popular methods of stealing credit card numbers now is to stand beside or behind a person using their card and photograph the card with a cell phone.

Don't you find all those credit card offers in the mail annoying? Thieves love them! By throwing them in the trash, you can effectively give someone a credit card in your name. Always shred such offers and advertisements if you don't want them. People who want to take advantage of your good name aren't going to piece together shredded documents, they'll merely move on to the next careless person.

It's not a good idea to carry all of your cards at once. If possible, keep the cards you do carry separate from your purse or wallet. It would be wise to write down the contact numbers from the backs of your cards so that you can promptly report any theft.

Never sign a charge slip with blank spaces that could be filled in later by an unscrupulous merchant or employee. If the charge slip does contain blank spaces, draw a line through them to prevent additional fraudulent charges.

Always open your credit card bill promptly and read it carefully. There are companies that will charge your credit card for purchases you've never made or even considered, often for several small amounts so that you don't notice them. This can continue month after month if you don't scrutinize your bill. If you do find fraudulent charges, notify your credit card issuer as soon as possible and follow that up with a written statement.

Most card issuers have time limitations on reporting fraudulent charges so it is important to report such charges as soon as possible.

About The Author-- Joe Kenny writes for Credit Cards Web, offering credit cards in the UK, visit them today to compare credit cards and grab a great deal today or onlystop.com for some great credit cards

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