Tips To Protect Yourself From Credit Card Fraud

Tips to protect yourself from credit card fraud

by

Kedy J

It seems people need to protect themselves from everything nowadays. You ve heard the terms before: credit card fraud, identity theft, credit score. But, how do thieves obtain your information to start, and is there anything you can do to stop the theft, or protect yourself from it? Follow the steps below to be proactive when it comes to protecting yourself from credit card fraud.

What is Credit Card Fraud

Credit card fraud affects millions of people every year, and there are hundreds of ways thieves can steal your credit card information and use it against you. Credit card fraud occurs most frequently when either someone steals your credit card, or the information contained on it to purchase items, or steal money. Americans are heavy credit card users. This allows credit card thieves to have an unlimited supply of data to steal. Even though hundreds of millions of dollars are stolen every month, unlike identity theft, credit card fraud is easier to handle when detected early. Companies and credit laws have given consumers a sense of protection, as long as the consumer is diligent and is looking for strange usage on their credit cards.

4 Ways Thieves Steal Your Data

There are many ways thieves can steal your credit, but here are five prevalent credit card fraud techniques to be mindful of when you are shopping, or moving around:

• Switcheroo. This one is a little more clever than most. 2-3 people are generally involved. What happens is one person stands in line while the other two roam the store. As soon as the person in line is at the cash register, one of the two who are shopping runs up and starts yelling they need help. When everyone is distracted, the person in line switches out the store credit card scanner, with one of their own. For the next couple weeks the store employees are unwittingly scanning consumers\’ credit card data.
• Skimmer. A thief attaches a skimmer over a credit card reader which uses a Bluetooth to transfer credit card information to a laptop nearby.
• Malware. A thief puts a malware program onto a popular site with low security. When you go to the site you unwittingly download the software which infects your computer. Every time you go back to that site your information is stolen
• The waitress at the restaurant scans your credit card through the store s scanner. But, when no one is looking, they quickly pull out a small device from their pocket, and scan your card again. This time your information is stored for future use.Protect YourselfYou know these things happen, but maybe you don t know what to do when it does. While no tips can ever guarantee you will not get your credit stolen, there are steps you can take to minimize the chances of losing your data.
• Stop fraud before it happens. Pay attention to your bank and credit card accounts. If you don t think you made a purchase, then contact your financial institution to report it.
• Watch out for skimming. Skimming occurs for only a brief second, and when you are not paying attention. You have a couple options. One is to always use cash, but let s face it, that probably isn t realistic. The other option is to never let your credit card leaves your sight.
• Keep your private information private. Protect your computer with anti-spyware and firewalls. Pay attention to sites that are known to have had malware such as illegal music and video downloads.
• Ignore Phishing. These emails are hard to miss. You may have won a million dollars, or a Nigerian king needs your help and will pay handsomely for it. They are so corny they are laughable. Stay away from them.
• Connect safely. Avoid public Wi-Fi when you have personal information on the computer. Public Wi-Fi gives thieves open and often unprotected access to your computer.
• Report. Report. Report. It can t be said enough. If you suspect suspicious activity report it to your financial institution so you can start fighting fraud before it really affects you.

With these tips you can stay proactive and stop credit card thieves before they hurt you and your bank account.

Kedy Si

is an active blogger who is fond of writing articles on Credit Card Fraud and advising people what to do if your card is lost or stolen.

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