.: Prevent Identity Theft
By:Joseph Kenny
Category:Home / Finance / Credit
Identity theft is fast becoming the major way in which criminals are stealing your money. They are not only stealing your money but they are stealing your identity, using your personal details to gain access to your credit and open up new accounts in your name redirecting the mail to a new address.
It is fast becoming easier for criminals to steal your identity as record numbers of consumers are obtaining credit cards and using their credit cards on unsecured websites. It is not only using your credit card in what may seem to be otherwise normal situations that you need to be wary of. You should make sure that credit card statements are disposed of in the correct manner as well as all material that includes your personal details.
Shopping
Situations that you may think normal when using your credit card could be otherwise threatening your identity. Corrupt cashiers or waiters could easily scan the black strip on the back of your credit card to obtain details that they can then use to clone your card. When purchasing goods or paying for your bill never let your credit card out of your sight as it would be more difficult for fraudsters to swipe your card.
Other scanning machines that you need to look out for are at cash machines where you insert your card. Criminals have been known to attach these scanners at cash machines duping customers. If when using a cash machine and you think there might be a scanner attached do not use the cash machine and report it as soon as you can.
Online
If you are not security conscious when buying online you could become a victim of identity theft. When purchasing an item on the internet be sure the site is secure as you may be entering your credit card details. You can check this by making sure there is a padlock symbol on your browser bar. You may also wish to have a Paypal account, which will further protect you from online fraud. New security measures are being updated frequently to try and erase the problem of online fraud.
Personal Documents
When disposing of your credit card statements, bills or any documents that may have your personal details included on them you must think about who may be able to have access to them. Investing in a shredder will eliminate prying eyes seeing your details and they are quite a cheap investment considering the amount of money you could lose if you were to fall victim of identity theft.
It is important to check your credit card statements against receipts every month to verify what you have bought and what you are paying for. Any kind of misuse on your credit card should show up and you can then act on it immediately.
Be vigilant and be just as protective of your personal details as you would be your cash.
Article keywords: Credit Cards, Identity Theft, Cash, Protection, Credit, Fraud
Article Source: http://www.articles32.com
Joseph Kenny is the webmaster of the UK credit card comparison site www.creditcards121.com/, where you can find a selection of credit card advice. For US visitors there is also the comparison site www.credit-cards-info.com/ for all US interest free offers.
.: New Credit Articles
1). Getting The Most Benefits From Your Cash Back Credit Card
So many credit cards - so little time. Is this the way you feel about all the options that are now available in credit cards? It really is incredible when it comes to the various possibilities of how you can benefit from a cash back credit card.
2). 4 Things To Consider Before Signing Up For A Retail Store Credit Card
A retail store credit card may looks like a great idea to save some money when you make purchases at your favorite retail outlet. However, there are some drawbacks that you should know before you fill up that application form.
3). All You Want To Know Low Rate Credit and Low Rate Credit Cards
The main point of using a credit card with a low rate, or low rate credit, is to save you money if you are to keep carrying over a balance month after month. It is best to shop around when looking for a new low rate credit card suitable for your personal needs. It takes time and effort to research and look around for the ideal card but it can save 1000s of dollars in the long term.
4). The Benefits Of Having A Hotel Rewards Credit Card
A hotel rewards credit card can be very helpful to you if you travel extensively. Learn how you can benefit from a hotel rewards credit card by looking at a couple of popular hotel cards avaialble today.
5). Questionnaire to Determine whether Your Future Spouse Is Financially Compatible
Before considering marriage, you and your partner should take the time to complete and thoroughly discuss the following questionnaire.
6). Bad Credit Home Loans - Use Them To Your Advantage
Bad credit home loans are about being able to get loans despite having a bad credit rating. This is an instrument of opportunity for those who have bad credit rating and would like drop out of their debt and start on the road to good credit building.
7). Fees Attached To Your Airline Credit Card
ThiS articles explores all the different fees associated with Airline credit Cards
.: Top Credit Articles
1). What Is a Good Credit Score – How Can I Raise Mine?
What is a good credit score? When you request a free copy of your credit report, you will find a score assigned to your credit history. This score will determine whether or not creditors will grant you the loan or credit that you want because it gives them an idea of your risk to repay. Generally, the answer to the question “what is a good credit score?” is the higher the better.
2). Paying Off Your Credit Card Balances: Running The Numbers
Ever thought about paying off your credit card balances? Maybe you would like to be debt free just to reduce your stress. Or perhaps you need to be debt free to retire.
If you have Microsoft Excel running on your computer at home or work, you can use Excel’s NPER function to calculate how quickly you can pay off a debt such as a credit card balance.
3). Airlines Credit Card - Pros and Cons
This article describes the pros and cons of an airlines credit card.
4). How To Build Up Your Credit
There are many effective ways to build credit. In order to keep creditors from bothering you, and in order for you to get a loan with a reasonable interest rate, you need to learn how to build your credit. The best place to start is to not buy things that you don’t need. If you always make impulse buys, you will find yourself in deeper debt very quickly.
5). How To Wipe Out Bad Credit And Rebuild Your Credit Report
Most people who have bad credit think there is nothing they can do about it. They mistakenly believe that they have to live with their bad credit for a long time.
You don't have to live with bad credit or pay hefty fees to have your credit repaired. You can remove bad entries in your report and rebuild your credit profile. You don't need to spend a fortune to accomplish this.
6). Online Credit Card Application: The Easiest Way To A Customer’s Heart
Many credit cards are offered in the market today thus, making companies more aggressive in advertising and marketing their card services. These companies (e.g. banks, department stores, specialty stores, airlines, hotels, etc.) have found a powerful tool in catching the attention of prospective card holders: online credit card application.
What advantage/s does online credit card application offer?
The bottom line of online credit card application is “convenience”.
7). How Credit Card Balance Transfers Can Affect Your Credit Score
Transferring balance from a high interest credit card to a new lower interest card can definitely save you money on interest, if nothing else at least until the introductory rate ends (if applicable). We all receive those infamous credit card offers in the mail, urging us to apply for a new card and transfer our high interest balance over, in order to take advantage of the lower interest rate that this new card has to offer.