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Protecting Your Credit Cards and Accounts from Theft or Fraud
Protect your card as it protects you. Though your maximum liability from credit card fraud is $50, it is essential to do all you can to protect your card. A thief does not need your actual card to make unauthorized purchases on your account - all that is needed is the account number and the card expiration date. Therefore, you should guard your card like you would a valuable asset that you do not want someone to take.
Here are some tips on keeping your card and your account safe:
Card Safety
- Store your card in a secure place where you will immediately know if it is missing.
- Sign the back of your card as soon as you receive it. Do not leave credit cards unsigned.
- Never leave your card as a "security deposit" or as identification. Instead, use your driver's license or other form of identification.
- Never lend your credit card to anyone.
- When you are expecting a new/replacement card, keep a sharp eye on the mail.
- Report a lost or stolen card immediately.
Account Safety
- Take all receipts and carbons with you, especially receipts from ATMs, supermarkets and self-service gasoline pumps.
- When disposing of receipts or old statements, do not dump them in public trash containers.
- Never give your account number to an unknown person calling you on the phone, even if the caller says your account number will be used to claim a prize or award.
- Keep a list of account numbers in a safe place along with the corresponding customer service phone number. This will allow you to immediately report a problem.
- Keep your personal information to yourself. With the exception of mail-order companies, merchants should never require your address or telephone number to complete a transaction. Do not provide unnecessary information.
- Never let someone put your account number on a check or any other document not associated with a purchase on your account. (In some states, this is against the law.)
- Most unauthorized charges are considered fraud; a serious crime with serious consequences. Protect yourself by keeping your card and account number safe.
