How should I prevent my credit card from possible misuse?

Credit card frauds are on the rise. It can be easily done when a person with notorious intentions goes through some trash and finds out your discarded receipts and carbons through which your account number is accessed. Once he gets your account numbers, he freely misuses it to make some of his personal purchases.

At the end of the month, you get a huge bill in your mailbox about which you don't have the slightest idea. You are offered free subscription offers and free invitations to join the prestigious club. The crux of the matter is that you are left with charges that you have never used.

These types of frauds are on the rise and the cardholders and issuers are losing hundreds of millions of dollars each year. Try to prevent your card in every possible way. All is needed is the credit card number and the gateway to blunder is open.
Act smart and let the thief realize that you are an informed user and that you know better ways to prevent rather than misuse.

You can minimize the possibility of such events happenings in the following ways:

• The moment you receive a new credit card, immediately sign it at the back.
  
  
• Do not put your card in your wallet as it always catches the eyes of the thieves. Store it in some zippered compartment, preferably a business card holder or some other small pouch.
  
  
• Record separately the account numbers of all the cards you possess along with their dates of expiration. Also jot down the names of the credit card issuers in a secure place.
  
  
• Whenever your card is given to a merchant, keep a close watch on your card. Take it back immediately once it has been swiped successfully.
  
  
• Do not accept receipts which you find incorrect.
  Destroy all the carbons.
  
  
• You should save the counterfoil receipt to tally it with your monthly statement.
  
  
• Try to settle all the bills promptly in every billing cycle just like you preferably do to your checking account.
  
  
• If you find any entry incorrect, immediately rush to the bank and request for an explanation and if found wrong, get it corrected.
  
  
• You should always notify your banks if you change your address.
  
  
• Never lend your cards to anyone no matter how close he/she may be.
  
  
• Do not leave your cards or the transactions slips in an unattended corner.
  
  
• If you are ever produced a blank receipt, never sign on it. Always fill the blank spaces with lines near the total amount.
  
  
• Keep your account number confidential. Do not place it for external view.
  
  
• If you are dealing with any company, make sure it has a good reputation in the market. If you are in doubt about a specific company, check out the BBB or the consumer protection office.
  

What to be done if you have lost your credit card?

Immediately report it to the credit card or the charge card company about the loss of your card. Most of the companies have their toll free numbers and work round the clock to deal with such kind of emergencies. Once the loss of the card is reported, any charge appearing on the lost card is regarded as invalid.

Regards
Roxette