Your credit card information is always at risk for theft. Take steps to keep it safe and don't be fooled by scammers who try to trick you.
- Keep your credit cards in a safe place, like your wallet or purse. If you leave your credit cards at home, lock them in a safe or another secure place.
- After making a purchase, ensure you have your credit card back.
- Always check the verify the amount before signing credit card receipts.
- Securely store documents that include your credit card number, like billing statements and receipts from purchases.
- Shred or cut up billing statements, cancelled checks, and credit cards before thowing them away. Dispose shredded pieces in different trash bags to thwart dumpster divers.
- Only give out information like your credit card information, mother's maiden name, and account passwords on calls you initiate.
- Only initiate calls to trusted phone numbers from the back of your credit card or your billing statement.
- Avoid returning phone calls to numbers left on your voice mail or answering machine.
- 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.
- 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.
- Memorize your PIN. Shred any piece of paper that has your PIN written on it. Never write your PIN on your credit card.
