More Americans are making transactions online. You are able to purchase merchandise online, pay bills, monitor accounts, and set up automatic withdrawals and transfers using a credit card. This activity, although convenient, increases risk of credit card fraud.
PNC Security Center reported that credit card fraud occurs in a variety ways, including direct theft of the cards, getting account numbers from printed receipts, and scanning cards in illegal machines. It is also possible to gain access to credit card information online when you give this information over sites that are not secure, or when you use a public computer.
Fortunately, there are ways of preventing credit card fraud. You can become more proactive in the fight again credit card fraud by following these steps, it can help you keep and use your cards safely.
Step 1: Keep your cards in a secure place at all times. If you carry your cards with you, keep them in your wallet, and then keep your wallet out of easy reach of thieves. Be aware of your surroundings and keep track of what you have in your wallet. Sometimes, regardless of all of the precautions we take, we can have our cards stolen digitally or physically. In the case that this should happen, you need to report it by calling your bank. The sooner you can report the theft, the better.
Step 2: Take all receipts. Many establishments have switched to systems that only print the last four digits of your credit card, but there are still places that will print your entire credit card number. Remember to take your receipt at the gas pump when you finish. If you do not want the receipt, destroy it at home by shredding it. PNC Security Center noted that you should keep track of the receipts you have (www.pnc.com), and store them in a secure place.
Step 3: PNC Security Center pointed out that you should review statements as soon as you are able (www.pnc.com). Note discrepancies and investigate. Call you credit card company for further details and report the charge if it is not yours.
Step 4: According to the PNC Security Center, it is also important to keep your PIN numbers to yourself (www.pnc.com). Type PIN numbers in quickly and privately, and do not share them with others.
Step 5: Be aware of scam emails that request credit card numbers, social security numbers, and PIN numbers. Legitimate businesses will not ask for this information unless you have expressed an interest in purchasing something. PIN numbers should not be requested by a business. If you do not seek out a particular business, be wary of giving them any information when they contact you. If you do need to give information on a legitimate contact, ask them to explain why they need the information.
If you are purchasing merchandise online, be sure that it is a legitimate site. It may help to look for reviews on the site through search engines like Google.
Step 6: Do not use a public computer to conduct transactions that require you to release personal information. This information is stored on the computer and can be pulled up by another person. They can get your credit information if they know personal information such as your address, telephone number, Social Security number, and date of birth. They can also get your credit information off the computer if you supplied it in a transaction on that computer.
Step 7: The PNC Security Center recommended ordering a credit report at least once a year to ensure that you do not have unauthorized accounts on it (www.pnc.com). Check it over carefully for discrepancies in charges/payments, and for additional accounts you do not know about.
Finally, be aware of the information others have about you. Your ex-spouse or former significant other could have enough information about you to open an account in your name. Change account information and passwords on existing cards and watch your credit report to ensure nothing new is opened without your knowledge. Companies you used to do business with might have your information stored where employees can access it. Request that all information on your account be given to you to destroy. Think about the information you give out, and question it when you do not feel comfortable. These steps will help you remain aware of your accounts and head off trouble before it starts.
