Credit Card Fraud – Practical DOs and DON’Ts

By “Coach Pete” D’Arruda

Credit Card Fraud is on the rise. Here are some practical DOs and DON’Ts:

Do:

• Keep copies of all correspondence regarding disputed charges until the matter is resolved.
• When you are at a cash register using your card, don’t let the card out of your sight, and get it back as quickly as possible.
• Save all receipts. Compare them with what’s on the monthly statement.
• Sign the back of your cards, and put your picture on them if that service is available.
• Keep a record of your account numbers, their expiration dates, and the phone number and address of each company in a secure place.
• Destroy all carbons immediately.
• Draw a line through any blank spaces above the total. Don’t draw a zero, which could easily be altered.

Don’t:

• Leave credit cards lying around. Either activate them, or cut them up.
• Lend your card to anyone.
• Ever sign a blank receipt.  It’s like signing a blank check.
• Give out your account number over the phone unless you’re doing business with a company you’re sure of.
• Write your account number on the outside of an envelope.

Investigate more  simple steps we can take that will protect us from financial fraud in the September/October Register. Many of them are so simple that you may do a double take. But it will make you a better steward of your financial affairs.  (see Consumer Focus article – Finding the Right Financial Advice – September/October Register).

Peter J. D’Arruda RFC, CTC
Is the IARFC President and a financial and tax coach. He is host of the nationally syndicated weekly radio show, The Financial Safari, as well as the author of four books, including “Fine Print Fiasco”, “Financial Safari, 7 Financial Baby Steps”, and “Have you been talking to Financial Aliens?”  Themes of these easy readers include helping others avoid being taken advantage of and translating financial jargon for any layperson.”

Contact:  919.657.4201
pete@capitalfinancialusa.com
www.capitalfinancialusa.com