March 19, 2010

• Credit Card Theft; It's All About Awareness, Pt.2
    Get ready to fight back!

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  Never volunteer personal information. Thieves have invented all sorts of elaborate schemes to lure you into handing out your credit card and personal information. Banks don't call or email you to verify any information regarding your credit card account or any other financial product. You should never give out your date of birth, bank account numbers, credit card information, driver's license, Social Security Number or health card number over the phone or by e-mail unless you were the one to initiate the call. When contacting your financial institution, don't use a number that someone else gave you, use the number you have on file.

  Be aware of what you are spending. Sign up for online banking and monitor your debit and credit card accounts on a regular basis. Be aware of what you're spending, how much, and where. If you wait too long to check to check your account, you may not remember the details of all your card transactions. Thieves can easily access your debit and credit card information by tapping into devices when you conduct transactions at ATM's, gas stations, and restaurants. Banks are fighting back by issuing new chipped cards that require you to have the card in hand.

  Get regular checkups for your computer. Thieves are famous for infiltrating your computer while you are surfing the internet. Unsafe web sites carry viruses and programs called Trojans that capture personal information, credit card numbers, and PIN numbers. These malicious programs track your online activities and record everything you type in. Make sure your PC has spyware installed that can detect Trojans and these malicious programs. If your computer begins to run slow it is likely it is infected. Have regular checkups completed at a local computer repair place or office supply store like Staples.

  Don't let an identity theft or credit card criminal get the best of you. Protecting your personal information and identity is all about awareness. Get ready to fight back!

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