Credit cards are fast, easy to use and very convenient. They can be a lifesaver in an emergency too. But, it is also easy to breech the security measures that have been established to protect credit card users. Be careful and take the time to know where you are using your credit card. Make sure the following credit card security mishaps don’t happen to you.

1. Not signing your card. Your credit card comes with a blank strip on the back. Sign this card as soon as you get it. This helps merchants match the signature on your card with the receipt you sign at the store.

2. I.D. You should be required to show identification whenever you use your credit card. If the clerk forgets to ask, make sure you show them anyway. This will remind people to start asking to see I.D. I bet you’d want someone asking for I.D. if it isn’t you using your card.

3. Check your statements. Read over your credit card statement each month. Watch for unauthorized purchases. These can be a sign of either identity theft or a merchant mistake. Make sure you aren’t paying for anything you didn’t receive. You will be able to protect your identity and your finances quicker if you take a little time each month to review your bill.

4. Secure Sites. Whenever you use your credit card to pay a bill online or to buy something via the Internet, make sure you are using a secure website. There are several ways to tell if a site is secure. Check the URL. If the page is secure, the URL will read, https:…-note the extra “s” at the end. Also, check for the lock icon. This icon should be somewhere in the web browser. Internet Explorer tends to show the icon in the lower-left and Mozilla displays it in the lower-right corner. Take the time to check where your browser displays the secure icon.

5. Reports. The three major credit bureaus recommend that you check your credit report every three months. Try to at least check it once a year. Identity theft is common via credit cards. By checking your reports, you will be able to detect identity theft a lot faster.

6. Shred it. Do you ever get credit card offers in the mail? If you don’t want them, shred them. Anyone can fill the application out in your name and get a credit card mailed to their home. Don’t let someone get a credit card in your name just because you were careless with your trash.

7. Call them. If you lose your wallet, call your credit card companies immediately. Be sure your know where your cards are at all times. If they disappear, take action as soon as you realize they are missing.

Credit cards can really save your life, financially. But, they can cause you a lot of grief if you aren’t careful. Be responsible in using your cards and take the time to double check your credit report often.

Related Posts

• What You Should Do If Your Credit Card is Stolen
• What To Do If Your Credit Card Limits Get Cut
• 15 Ways Credit Cards Can Make Your Life Better
• How To Get A Credit Card With No Credit
• Rebuild Your Credit With a Secured Credit Card

Tags: Credit Card Advice, credit card theft, protect your identity

This entry was posted on Monday, August 4th, 2008 at 10:26 am and is filed under Credit Card Advice. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.