How Can You Prevent Your Credit Card Number From Being Stolen ? What To Do If It Is Stolen

As the number of credit card users sees an unprecedented growth, credit card fraud has increased too. It is easy to commit and criminals do not have to be very experienced or professional to execute it. However, it will put you through much unnecessary trouble.
Some ways to steal your CC Number 

 

• Some retailers use systems that print your full number, name and expiry date on the receipts. This is all the information required for criminals to make payments online or over the telephone.
• Retail merchant or employees may use the details obtained during payments and use them dishonestly.
• High-tech skimming devices fixed to ATM machines or point-of-sale processing equipments record credit card numbers and information. This information may be used to make duplicate cards.
• Criminals could simply steal your card and use it by forging your signature until you realize it is missing.
• Bogus websites marketing products or services may be created just so that interested consumers will provide their details to make purchases. These card details can be then used by the website owner.

Criminals do not always need your card to steal from you. Just having your details will suffice. Now that you know how such fraud can be committed, you are better equipped to prevent it.

Some ways to prevent your credit card number from being stolen

• Much is being done in order to stop credit card fraud. Credit card processing equipments are constantly upgraded for this purpose. Some of the latest innovations do not retain the numbers, thus preventing retail merchants or their employees from using them illegally. Ask about the equipment being used before making your payment.
• Try to avoid using it if the system used by the merchant prints receipts with your full credit card details.
• Always tear up your receipts and bills before disposing them.
• Check your statements conscientiously. Make sure you recall making each and every transaction on the statement.
• Keep your credit cards safe.
• Do not reveal your PINs/passwords to anyone. Ensure that they are difficult for anyone to guess. Store them at a place different from your credit card. If you were to lose your wallet which contains both your PINs/passwords and your card, you would have made it easier for the one who finds your wallet to max out your credit card or make cash advances.
• If you are making payments online or over the telephone, be sure that the merchants are trustworthy. Check the security features available and know that they are reliable.

What should you do if you realize your credit card number is stolen?

• If you find transactions in your bill that you don't remember making, report it to your credit card company immediately. This will prevent you from being responsible for the total bill. The company will contact the authorities and help them to catch the criminal.
• If you realize that it is missing, report it to the company as well as the police as soon as possible.

As you can see, there is not much you can do once the number or credit card had been stolen. The best thing to do will be to prevent it from happening. Be fussy and particular if you have to. It is better to be safe than sorry.

Most Americans own at least one credit card. And of the seven in ten who do, an amazing 34 percent do not know the interest rate of the credit card they use most often. It is very easy to get a credit card. But it's very difficult to pay back your bills in full. Our expenses are increasing month after month. Whereas our income increases only year after year. So, it's very important for us to understand what credit card means to us today.