During the holidays, many of us will be
purchasing gifts for our family, friends and business associates and using
debit or credit cards to make these purchases. Most of us will be shopping
either online or at brick and mortar establishments. However, with debit and credit
card use, comes credit card fraud and identity theft? Because consumers are so
preoccupied during this time of the year, individuals may tend to let their
guard down when it comes to using their credit card or debit card. Following
are some simple tips to safeguard you from credit card fraud and identity
theft.
Never give your
credit card number to anyone who calls you without verifying his or her
identity.
Always keep your PIN (Personal Identification
Number) private. Never give it out, and never keep it on you.
Some establishments
have been caught adding digits to credit card slips after consumers sign them. For
example, you think you are paying $25.00 for an item, but when you look at your
credit card receipt, you will see $125.00.
After a purchase,
make certain the card you get back is yours.
You should report cards, which have been
lost or stolen immediately. Credit card companies can freeze your account and
issue you a new card without delay.
Review your monthly
statements promptly and carefully for unauthorized purchases.
Merchants, who accept
payment by credit card, must also disclose any limitations on the use of that
card. Disclosure must be conspicuous at the entrance to the store and in any ads,
which indicate the credit card acceptance. New York State
Retailers who accept
payment by credit card cannot set a minimum purchase amount for credit card
use.
Merchants are requesting a
valid photo ID if you plan to use a credit card.
If you use a debit card to withdraw
money from an ATM machine, make certain you take your receipt with you and
review it for accuracy. Never leave or discard the receipt in a public
receptacle.
Avoid using ATM
machines that are located on public streets or in remote areas. Try to use an ATM
machine in a bank lobby during banking hours.
If You are Shopping Online
Never purchase items
on sites that do not have the secure icon, usually located at the bottom window
at the right side or at the top of the domain address, which will say, “Secure.”
The address bar that carries the https is securer than the http prefix.
Try to shop at reputable e-commerce sites. A
good clue is to look at the copyright year; if it says © 1999 and the current
year is 2017, select another site or check out the company with the Butter
Business Bureau. You can also send an email question to the company. If they do
not respond within 48 hours, select another site.
Never give your social
security number to any site.
If you suspect
fraud, contact the Federal Trade Commission at ftc.gov/complaint, and order a
copy of your credit report from each of the three national credit agencies and
once a year from http://www.annualcreditreport.com
Happy smart holiday shopping!
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