Published on 08/12/2008

Free financial security tips to prevent being a victim of credit card identity theft, scams and fraud.

Free Tips To Protect Against Credit Card Identity Theft, Scams and Fraud

To thieves, your credit card number is just as good as cash. Even better, it becomes their personal ATM machine. Read these free tips to not only prevent being a victim of identity theft, but also other scams and fraud.

Keep your credit cards in a safe place, like your wallet or purse. If you leave your credit cards at home, lock them up. Things happen. Let's say; for example, a child finds your cards, plays with them, loses them, only to have a thief find them.
Before you throw away an old purse or wallet, make sure you remove all your cards. Also, check to see if the raised numbers of your credit cards made impressions in the plastic/leather that can be read. If so, cut up the plastic/leather before disposing.
After making a purchase, make sure you get your credit card back.
Always verify the amount before signing credit card receipts.
If you dine with a credit card, never leave the 'Tip' section of the receipt blank. Either enter a tip amount, or place a large 'X'.
Securely store all documents that contain credit card and bank numbers, such as your credit card statements, bank account statements and receipts.
Shred or cut up bank statements, credit card statements, cancelled checks, deposit slips and credit cards before thowing them away. Dispose shredded pieces in different trash bags.
Never give your account information nor any passwords to anyone; or any company, who calls you. Only give such information when you make the call, and you are sure you are calling a legitimate company, bank or credit card issuer. To be safe, dial the phone number on the back of your credit card or your bank billing statement.
Avoid returning phone calls to numbers you are not certain about. Instead of calling those unverified numbers, look up the actual numbers and call to verify the authenticity of any messages you may have received whether by phone or email.
Monitor your billing statement closely each month and make sure any new transactions were actually made by you or an authorized user on the account.
Report suspicions of fraud to your creditor immediately using a trusted phone number.
Report lost or stolen credit cards immediately.
Don't respond to emails asking for your credit card information, even if the email seems to come from a website you trust. Scammers know how to make the website address appear legitimate, and even how to make the website look authentic. If you think the email is from someone you do business with, look up their phone number using a trusted source and call them.
Never enter your credit card information into a website that is not secure. To check website security, look for a lock in the lower right corner of the browser.
Don't write down your PIN number.