Protecting your Credit Cards

  Now that you have had your credit card applications approved and your credit cards are on their way.  You will now have to protect them against people trying to steal the cards or your account information.  Just because your credit card applications went through ok does not mean you are home free.

  Credit cards are used illegally everyday in North America and around the world.  A person only need your account number and expiry date to sue your card.  Hundreds of millions of dollars are spent daily as a result of thieves stealing this information.

  On your credit card applications, you need to ensure you use your current address.  If you move before you card comes, call the issuing company and get them to make sure they send it to your new address.  You do not want any new, unsigned credit cards going to an old address.  With your signature not being on the back of it yet, it will be easier for a thief to use it at a store.

  You cannot ever be totally, 100% safe.  This type of fraud can happen not matter what you.  But you can follow a few simple steps to help protect yourself.

• Sign the back of the card as soon as it arrives

• Do not lend your card to anyone

• Make sure your credit card never leave your eye sight during any transactions.  If you give it to a sales clerk or gas jockey or anybody like that, make sure you can see them swipe your card.

• Destroy any carbon copies from any transactions, even if they have been voided.

• Keep any voided transaction's receipts

• Do not leave your credit cards on a sales counter or table.  Put them back in your wallet as soon as you're done with them.

• Do not write your account number on the outside of an envelope.  If you are mailing a payment in, write your account number on the bottom of the check and the bill statement.

• Do not give out your account information over the phone or by email to anyone.  Even if they claim to be from the credit card company.  If they were they would already have your information and would not need to ask for it.  If you are in doubt, hang up and call the number on the back of the card.

  Now that you have had your credit card applications approved, make sure you follow the simple steps above all the time.  This will help you in ensuring your credit cards are not stolen or used by anyone except for you.  If they happen to get stolen, misplaced, lost or you have a charge on your account you do not recognize, call the toll free number as soon as possible to report it as stolen.

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