How to Guard Against Credit & Charge Card Fraud

* Some suggested precautions you can take to help protect yourself against credit and charge card fraud. You want to instruct any other person who is authorized to use your account to take the same precautions.
* Sign your new cards as soon as they arrive.
* Carry your cards separately from your wallet. Keep a record of your card numbers, their expiration dates, and the phone number and address of each company in a secure place.
* Keep your card in view, whenever you can, after you give it to a clerk. Retrieve your card promptly after using it.
* Avoid signing a blank receipt, whenever possible. Draw a line through blank spaces above the total when you sign card receipts.
* Void or destroy all carbons and incorrect receipts.
* Save your card receipts to compare with your billing statements.
* Open billing statements promptly and reconcile your card accounts each month, just as you would your checking account.
* Report promptly and in writing any questionable charges to the card issuer.
* Notify card companies in advance of a change in address.

In addition, Some things you should not do:

* Never lend your card to anyone.
* Never leave your cards or receipts lying around.
* Never put your card number on a postcard or on the outside of an envelope.
* Never give your number over the phone unless you are initiating a transaction with a company you know is reputable. If you have questions about a company, check with your local consumer protection office or Better Business Bureau before ordering.


Keywords: protect, credit , charge card fraud,other person , same precautions,new cards , wallet, card numbers,xpiration dates, phone number ,address ,blank receipt,card receipts,carbons , incorrect receipts, billing statements,card accounts, card issuer,card companies ,postcard,envelope, Business Bureau.