Credit Card Protection.
Credit cards can be good and bad. They are certainly valuable. That is to you and someone who scams you out of your number! Let’s talk about some things that you should know for your protection.
Know Your Rights. As long as you report your card as stolen promptly, you are not liable for anymore than $50.00. You should know where your card is at at times. Make sure that you have a system to check. I usually hold on to my wallet if someone has my card. That way I will remember to return it. Do not leave your purse or wallet laying around unattended.
Talk with your credit card issuer. Some offer free protection. You should know how your company handles lost or stolen cards. Also talk with them before you take a long trip, especially if you leave the country! My card was actually frozen while I was on a cruise. The card company noticed a lot of money being spent overseas and froze my account. I had to call them from the ship to get it straight. At least my wife was happy, because most of the money went for jewelry!
Be cautious on phone calls. Your card issuer will never call you and ask for your credit card number! If you get this call, ask what they want and call back to the toll free number on the back of your card. This should never be a problem. Credit card companies know more about the scams than you do and they are used to this reaction.
Never click on a link in an email that is telling you to log into your account. If you think that the email could be real, log in from your normal log in method. Or better yet, call the company and ask if the email is real!
Only put your credit card number on a web site address that starts with a “https:”. If it starts with just “http:” it is not a secure site and anyone could get your credit card information. The secure page offers you some protection. You may also see a little lock in the lower corner of your browser. If you are not sure, don’t do it.
Check your credit card bills as soon as you receive them. Make sure that all charges are correct and made by you. If you are not sure file a dispute right away. This is your only protection. Some credit card companies have a time limit for filing disputes. This is why it is so important to check your bill as soon as you receive it.
Be prepared for a lost or stolen credit card. For your protection you should make a copy of every card in your wallet. Front and back. If your wallet is lost, stolen, or destroyed in some other manner you will know exactly what was in there. I keep this in my safe at home, but if I am going on a trip, I take a copy with me. If you stay on a ship or in a motel room you may want to put it in their safe. And obviously if you take a copy on a trip, keep it separate.
Credit cards are not only nice, they are almost a necessity. Make sure for your own protection that you are doing all of the right things. Because they could also be your biggest nightmare!