What to do if you think you are a victim of credit card fraud

If you suspect fraud has been committed, report the loss of your credit card the bank immediately. Most credit card companies have a help line 24 hours a day. It’s worth keeping the details of this number in your mobile phone.

All credit cards are regulated by the Consumer Credit Act 1974 which provides a number of protections and requirements. Both the credit market and companies are responsible for the sale. Most companies reimburse unauthorized purchases between £ 100 – £ 30,000, although some charge a maximum of 50 pounds overweight.

Some credit card companies ask users to continue to make repayments, including interest, while pursuing an investigation. This amount will be returned if they reach the conclusion that fraud has been committed.

Top tips to avoid credit card fraud

* Keep credit cards in a safe place at all times.
* Check your statements carefully and question anything that does not make sense.
* If paying by credit card, do not leave out of sight. Ensure traders to carry out an operation in front of you.
* Protect your PIN when using ATMs and not be distracted when using them. Never share your PIN with another person.
* Get rid of credit card receipts, ATM receipts and statements carefully. Use a cross paper shredder for added security.
* Only use secure Internet sites known for online purchases. Distributors have the option to subscribe to the services offered by Visa and Mastercard called Verified by Visa and MasterCard SecureCode, which require customers to provide additional information to complete a transaction.
* Protect your computer from potential viruses, trojans, worms and spyware. Unexpected and unusual Delete emails with attachments before reading them – the virus is usually contained in the attachment. Install good anti-virus and firewall software. Reduce spam by introducing a spam filter.
* Keep an eye for missing mail and remember to redirect the mail if you move house. If you suspect your post is being stolen, contact the Royal Mail immediately.

Step # 1:   Guard Your Social Security Number

While there are times when your social security number is required, you should use extreme caution in deciding how to give and give that information. For the most part, you should never give your social security number over the phone, online or by phone. Even if you trust the person you are sending information that is easy for an identity theft to intercept the information. If you are giving information on the Internet, make sure you are on a secure website and do not send your social security number via email.

Step# 2:   Enter only the basics on your checks

Never put more than the required information on your personal checks. Although it may seem useful to bring your driver’s license number or Social Security number on your checks, only identity thieves to get more opportunities to take that information and use it improperly. Also, never let your credit card number to be written on your checks. This not only put you at greater risk of fraud, is illegal in many states.

Step # 3:   Keep an eye on your mail

Be sure to check your email every day so it is not sitting in your mailbox any longer than necessary. Keeping your mail in your mailbox for a long time criminal invitation only. Also, if you know you will receive a credit card or other important document before, keep an eye out for it and contact the issuing company if you do not arrive when expected.

Step# 4:  Check your credit report once a year

Thanks to the federal law that allows you to receive a free copy of your credit report every year, there is absolutely no reason not to review your credit report on an annual basis. Annualcreditreport.com visit to receive your free credit report and verify that the information is wrong or suspicious activity and immediately report any problems you see.

Step# 5:  Creating Smart PINS and passwords

When it comes time to create passwords and PINS, you should avoid using any of the following:

• Last four digits of your social security number
• Her maiden name of mother
• Your date of birth
• The second name
• Your pet is the name
• Any set of consecutive numbers

Although all of them are easy to remember, too easy for a thief to crack. If you are looking for a password that is easy to remember, think of a phrase that know and use the first letter of each word in the phrase as their passwords. With the addition of numbers in the password, you can make it even more difficult for a thief to crack.