Ways to Keep Your Credit Card Safe

Written by imoney

Credit card fraud has become a hot topic of discussion these days. What’s worse is that thieves have become quite ingenious in the way they steal credit cards. Time to outsmart these credit card thieves and fraudsters, and here’s your free guide to keeping that credit card safe!

• Sign your Card. Affix your signature on the card with a ballpoint pen at the back as soon as you receive it. Those not signed are prone to identity theft since thieves could easily affix their signature and make it look like one of their own.
• Secure your PIN/CVV. CVV, a security code or number, this is usually at the back of your credit card number (usually 3 digits) which should not be shared with anyone. For first time users, your bank normally provide you a temporary PIN and showed in the paperwork sent to you. Immediately change it and destroy the letter as soon as you did the change.
• Keep your credit card number and card information private. Never share your credit card information with anyone nor post pictures of it on social networking sites. Keep your data safe and away from prying eyes of the public as the information contained in your card can be used to validate your identity whenever someone calls over the phone to verify some account information. If possible, never lend your card to anyone.
• Keep your bank’s hotline number. In the event that you lose your card or suspect fraudulent use, having your bank’s hotline number handy will aid you in blocking your card temporarily to stop any unauthorized charges to your card.

Preventing credit card fraud

• Double-check transaction slips before signing
• Keep a close eye on the retail staff processing your credit card transaction
• Keep (or destroy) credit card slips, statements, and receipts displaying your credit card information
• Watch out for suspicious devices used to swipe your credit card through.

Preventing online credit card fraud

• Avoid the use public computers to make your credit card transactions online. There’s a big chance of making your information available to the public by mistake.
• Use computers with updated antivirus programs in it.
• Avoid saving your credit card information such as your credit card number and CVV on a computer location where it is easy to retrievable.
• Check your browser security and make sure security badges or actions are shown at the bottom portion of your browser indicating that your online transaction is secure. Your browser security settings could give you further ideas on how to protect your financial transactions on the web.

Now that your credit card is safe, be sure not to make these 5 common credit card mistakes.