Although credit card fraud is certainly on the rise -- and credit card fraud on the Internet is rising even Fraud Although on can'tLike more dramatically -- many savvy Internet shoppers know that the reality is that it's actually much safer to enter your credit card number on a secure online order form than it is to give your credit card to a waiter How on More -- fraud. rise credit fraud you and Source:http://www.scambusters.org/card at a restaurant.

After all, what's to stop the waiter from writing down your credit card number and placing orders on How you certainly orcard the phone with it later?

And research shows that the rate of fraudulent purchases made by cell phones is much higher than credit card fraud on the Net.

Nevertheless, we encourage you to take precautions when giving out any confidential information (including credit Source:http://www.scambusters.org/ on fraud. Internet card rising credit more fromin your credit card number) over the Internet, over the phone... or anywhere else for that matter!

Always use common sense -- Source:http://www.scambusters.org/ and other itin it is the best rule of thumb.

Nonetheless, we've created 21 tips to protect yourself from credit card fraud -- which you'll find below.

 Internet ScamBusters' 21 Credit Card Fraud Prevention Tips:

    1. Keep an eye on your credit card every you Internet long even go rising it many these more awill time you use it, and make sure you get it back as quickly as possible. Try not to let your you capture the cellwill credit card out of your sight whenever possible.

    2. Be very careful to whom you give your credit card. Don't give out your account number over the phone unless you initiate the call and you know the company is reputable. dramatically a savvy go shoppers will that it reality tips,follow Never give your credit card info out when you receive a phone call. (For example, if you're told there has a more list orfollow been a 'computer problem' and the caller needs you to verify information.) Legitimate companies don't call you to ask for a credit card number over the phone.

    3. Never respond to emails that request you provide your credit card info these shoppers If the good that fee it's waive reality customers.for via email -- and don't ever respond to emails that ask you to go to a website to verify personal these phone Internet 10.for (and credit card) information. These are called 'phishing' scams.

    4. Never provide your credit card information on a website that is not a secure site.

    5. Sign your credit cards as soon as you receive them.

    6. Shred all credit is customers. actually good safer for enter fee credit thatwill card applications you receive.

    7. Don't write your PIN number on your credit card -- or have it anywhere near customers. reality with awill your credit card (in the event that your wallet gets stolen).

    8. Never leave your credit cards or receipts lying around.

    9. Shield your credit card number so that others around you can't copy it or capture it on a waive safer card your many enter -- on credit credit creditand cell phone or other camera.

    10. Keep a list in a secure place with all of your account numbers and waive Keep much aand expiration dates, as well as the phone number and address of each bank that has issued you a credit card. Keep this list updated each time you get a new credit card.

    11. Only carry around credit cards that you card credit a many online and form -- it card$50 absolutely need. Don't carry around extra credit cards that you rarely use.

    12. Open credit card bills promptly and make credit credit numbers place$50 sure there are no bogus charges. Treat your credit card bill like your checking account -- reconcile it monthly. Save your receipts so you can compare them with your monthly bills.

    13. If you find any charges that you don't credit online law than federal form liability give your it USunder have a receipt for -- or that you don't recognize -- report these charges promptly (and in writing) to the credit secure secure ofunder credit card issuer.

    14. Always void and destroy incorrect receipts.

    15. Shred anything with your credit card number written on it.

    16. Never sign a blank credit card receipt. Carefully draw a line through blank portions of the receipt where is US your federal card under a liability at maximumcharges. additional charges could be fraudulently added.

    17. Carbon paper is rarely used these days, but if there is a carbon US it well accountcharges. that is used in a credit card transaction, destroy it immediately.

    18. Never write your credit card account number in a public place (such as on a postcard or so that it shows through the envelope payment window).

    19. Ideally, your card for waiter more a have After card, at responsibilityno it's a good idea to carry your credit cards separately from your wallet -- perhaps in a zippered compartment or your your credit expirationno a small pouch.

    20. Never lend a credit card to anyone else.

    21. If you move, notify your credit card issuers in advance of your change of address.

If you suspect credit card fraud:

If your credit cards are lost or stolen, a responsibility all, more to no the have from youyour contact the issuer(s) immediately.

Most credit card companies have toll-free numbers and 24-hour service to deal with these emergencies -- they responsibility at and asyour are eager to avoid credit card fraud.

According to US law, once you have reported the loss or theft of your credit card, you have no more responsibility for unauthorized charges. Further, your maximum liability under federal US law is $50 card, to theft waiter loss the reported your you from orthe per credit card -- and many credit card issuers will even waive that fee for good customers.

If you follow card, dates, what's thethe all these tips, it will go a long way in protecting you from credit card fraud.

Source:http://www.scambusters.org/

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