August 19, 2010
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News: Protect Yourself From Credit Card Fraud
If you haven't been reading our series on “Credit Card Fraud; How Do They Do It,” you may want to go back and take a look at how some of the world's card and identity thieves operate. There are a number of ways cardholders can protect themselves and reduce their chances of becoming victim to these thieves. Did you know that you could opt out of those pre-approved credit card offers that put you at risk for credit card and identity fraud? The process is quick and painless. It can be done online at www.optoutprescreen.com or by calling 1-888-567-8688. The process allows you to opt out permanently or for a period of five years. When opting out, you will be asked your social security number. If you are uncomfortable handing out your social security number, you should know that it is not required to opt out.
There are a number of other things that cardholders can do to protect themselves from credit card and identity theft. Be careful providing your personal information or card information to anyone on the phone when you were not the one to initiate the call. There is a large range of telephone scams whereby thieves are impersonating your bank and other reputable businesses in order to steal your identity. Protect your Social Security Number (SSN). In most cases, your SSN is not required to process any claims or paperwork. Shred all paperwork and credit card statements prior to throwing them out. Thieves have a special attachment to garbage and do not hesitate to rummage through it to find unsuspecting fraud victims' personal information.
Online banking and bill payment is a wonderful convenience, however, some credit card and identity thieves are technology savvy. Security breaches have grown in recent years to become the most popular mode of theft. When choosing passwords, don't include easily accessible personal information in them; choose something that you'll easily remember and yet is not related in any way to your personal records. Bank and bill pay only on encrypted websites that have the lock icon at the lower right hand corner of the screen and has the “s” at the end of the http (https) that let you know that the site is secure.