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A thief goes through trash to find discarded receipts or carbons, and
then uses your account numbers illegally. A dishonest clerk makes
an extra imprint from your charge card and uses it to make personal
charges.
You respond to a mailing asking you to call a long distance number
for a free trip or bargain-priced travel package. you're told you must
join a travel club first and you're asked for your account number so you
can be billed. The catch! Charges you didn't make are added to your bill,
and you never get your trip.
Credit and charge card fraud costs cardholders and issuers
hundreds of millions of dollars each year. While theft is the most obvious
form of fraud, it can occur in other ways. For example, someone may use
your card number without your knowledge.
It's not always possible to prevent credit or charge card
fraud from happening. But there are a few steps you can take to make sit
more difficult for a crook to capture your card numbers and minimize the
possibility.
Guarding Against Fraud
Here are some tips to help protect yourself from credit
and charge card fraud.
DO:
- Sign your cards as soon as they arrive.
- Carry your cards separately from your wallet, in a
zippered compartment, a business card holder, or another small pouch.
- Keep a record of your account numbers, their expiration
dates, and the phone number and address of each company in a secure place.
- Keep an eye on your card during the transaction, and get
it back as quickly as possible.
- Void incorrect receipts.
- Destroy carbons.
- Save receipts to compare with billing statements.
- Open bills promptly and reconcile accounts monthly, just
as you would your checking account.
- Report any questionable charges promptly and in writing
to the card issuer.
- Notify card companies in advance of a change in address.
DON'T
- Lend your card(s) to anyone.
- Leave cards or receipts lying around.
- Sign a blank receipt. When you sign a receipt, draw a
line through any blank spaces above the total.
- Write your account number on a postcard or the outside
of an envelope.
-Give out your account number over the phone unless you're
making the call to a company you know is reputable. If you have questions
about a company, check it out with your local consumer protection office
or Better Business Bureau.
Reporting Losses and Fraud
If you lose your credit or charge cards or if you realize
they've been lost or stolen, immediately call the issuer(s). Many
companies have toll-free numbers and 24-hour service to deal with such
emergencies.
If you suspect fraud, you may be asked to sign a statement
under oath that you did not make the purchase(s) in question.
For More Information
The FTC works to prevent fraudulent, deceptive and unfair
business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help
consumers spot, stop and avoid them. To file a complaint or get free
information on consumer issues call toll free, 1-877-FTC-HELP; TTY:
1-866-653-4261. The FTC enters consumer complaints into the Consumer
Sentinel Network, a secure online database and investigative tool used by
hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and
abroad.
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