In today’s digital age, not being careful with your credit card details can put you at risk of fraud. Fortunately, by keeping your credit card details extra secure, you can try to prevent credit card fraud.
Always be on guard for scammers who seek to trick you into giving up information about your credit card. If your card is lost or stolen, notify your issuer and cancel the account immediately.
Also, search your statement carefully for suspicious charges every month. These are only a few of the many tips you need to know about securing your credit card. Below are the top tips on how to avoid getting scammed for your credit card information.
Socialize Safely Online
Use caution when sharing information about yourself online, including where you are working, where you are hanging out, and what is happening to you and your friends. Update your privacy settings to restrict access to only people you know.
Don’t click email links from anyone, even people you know, that look like your bank, credit card service, or other business that uses your personal details, even if the email looks right.
These links are mostly phishing scams, and the scammers want to trick you into entering their fake website login information.
Shred Everything That Displays Your Credit Card Number
Do not throw your credit card billing statements into the trash whole as they usually have your full credit card number printed on it. Instead, shred these documents to ensure that dumpster divers will not get their hands on your credit card number.
The same applies to old credit cards that have expired or have been canceled — make sure you shred them. You can even go a step further and put the shredded bits into various trash bags and not all into one.
Report Lost or Stolen Credit Cards As Soon As Possible
Credit is more than just a plastic card, it is your financial future. The sooner you report a missing credit card, the faster your credit card issuer will cancel your credit card and help you avoid fraudulent fees.
Reporting your missing or stolen credit card as soon as possible decreases the risk that you will have to pay for any fraudulent credit card charges. Write down the customer service number of your credit card companies and keep them in an easily reachable place if your credit card is ever missing.
Back to Basics: Be Careful with Your Credit Card
One of the simplest ways to prevent credit card fraud is to keep your credit cards safe. Place your credit cards close to your body in a purse or wallet where they can’t be snatched away.
When you’re shopping in a high-traffic city, carry a smaller purse because stealing or sneaking in is more laborious. Only keep one or two credit or debit cards in your wallet and leave the remaining credit cards at home.
Thieves may use a camera or mobile phone to take pictures of your credit card, so don’t leave your credit card exposed for longer than required. Put your credit card away right after making a purchase.
Conclusion
Simple actions can go a long way to prevent fraud. Don’t lose your credit card, and if you do, report it immediately. However, take extra and double effort to keep it safe, and to keep your information secure, whether online or offline.