Identity Protection Directory

Posts Tagged ‘stolen’

One of the easiest ways for scam artists to commit fraud is by stealing credit card numbers and using them for a brief period. You think this could not happen to you because your credit card never leaves your wallet? Think again, it’s easier than you think!

Identity Theft Facts

Simple everyday things that we all do can put you at risk for Identity Theft. It is becoming safer at this point to enter a credit card number online through a secure (SSL) order form than to give your card to a sales person or use in a restaurant.

Credit Card Scams

Not too long ago, one of the major news channels had a “breaking news” story that involved credit card scams in restaurants and any other establishments you hand over your credit card to be “swiped”, or “skimmed”.

What Is Skimming?

After you have your meal and hand your credit card to a waitress/waiter or salesperson, this person runs your card not once, but twice. Yes, you understood me right … Twice!

The card is run the first time for the total of your order and, then again, on a magnetic card reader, which the thieves take home at night and use to process charges against your credit card that you may not even be aware of.

Clever scam artists enter in small balances, sometimes as little as one dollar, hoping you will not notice anything so insignificant. Check your accounts regularly for small charges, this could be a tip off.

Stolen Credit Card Numbers

Because of increased scams, the credit card companies are taking steps to make the process more secure for us to use our cards.

If you have been a victim of a credit card scam, the merchandise a thief buys is usually not required to be paid back to the credit card companies, even if they have used stolen credit card numbers.

Credit Card Scam Tips

Never lend your cards to anyone. Period. Shred all the credit card offers, receipts, and anything with your credit card numbers or personal information on them. Remember, dumpster diving is a real threat to your identity. Always make sure you carry around ONLY the credit cards your need. Carrying around extra credit cards is a very dangerous thing to do. If any person or company calls to verify your credit card information over the phone or on the Internet, DON’T do it. If you DO get such a call or letter, make sure you phone the company with the number on the back of the card and NOT the bogus number on your internet letter, or the phone number a caller might give you. It is also a good idea to keep your credit card receipts and check them against your statement. Notify your credit card companies and any other companies that you send personal information to in advance, if you are moving. Whenever you use a credit card at a store, restaurant, etc, make sure the credit slip is not left lying around on the counter.

By simply being aware every time you use your credit cards, you can prevent becoming the next stolen credit card numbers victim.