Prevent Identity Theft - Keep Your Credit Cards Safe

Keeping your credit cards safe is the first way to prevent identity theft. You want to keep those numbers safe and secure to protect your financial future.

Financial transactions are mostly done electronically. This has exponentially increased the number of the people at risk to become victims of credit card identity theft.  In our electronic age of banking and credit card transactions, it is essential that you educate yourself about preventing credit card identity theft. Your financial security rests on keeping your identity safe.

If you want to protect yourself from this financial crime, it is important to understand how criminals use different methods to acquire your personal data.

'Phishing' is growing in popularity with thieves as a way to get your personal information. In this scam, you receive an email that looks like it's from a legitimate company - like your bank or even Paypal. It will ask you to go to their site and 'confirm' your account numbers and passwords. The email has a link to a web site that looks legitimate enough, but is actually a fake. As you 'confirm' your account numbers and passwords, the criminals capture your information. Your bank won't ask you for account numbers or passwords - they already have them!

Dumpster diving is another common way that the thieves gain access to your personal information. Shred all junk mail like pre-approved credit card offers. Don't throw them in your garbage unopened and by all means, never throw them in the public garbage bin where you pick up your mail.

Every month when you receive your credit card statement, look it over carefully. If there's a charge on it you don't remember, call the 800 number - customer service - and inquire about it. It could be a charge you forgot about or it could be fraudulent.

Another important way to prevent credit card id theft is to never give your card account number to anyone over the phone unless you're the one who made the call. You might get a call from someone who says they're a charity and asks for a donation. A good con man can spin a quite a tale and before you know it, you're giving him your credit card info. Don't do that!

Here's some more tips:

• Don't write or tape your PIN number on your card - memorize it.
• Judge Judy sez: Never, ever give your credit card to your boyfriend/girlfriend.
  
• Sign your card as soon as you get it.
• Shred your expired cards.
• Reduce the number of credit card accounts you have in your name.

Identity theft protection is easier than having to clean up your credit after your identity is stolen.