Credit Card Scams to Steal Your Identity

This day in age everyone seems to have a stash of credit cards floating around in their purse or wallet. With the increased popularity of debit cards, even more opportunities are available for criminals to attack your assets.

We hear so much on the news today about protecting ourselves from identity fraud. We have learned not to give out our Social Security Numbers over the phone. We have become aware of fraudulent companies, claiming to be non-profit organizations, accepting donations that never reach their intended destination.

Credit card holders have learned to shred their mail to help protect their identity. When we cancel a card or receive a new one in the mail with an extended expiration date, we are told to cut up the card. This step is an easy way to protect yourself, as well as others.

A thief wanting to steal your credit card is waiting for just the right moment to catch you off guard. Imagine yourself in this scenario. You have just enjoyed a fabulous meal at your favorite restaurant. It is time to pay the bill. You hand the waiter your credit card and they leave to process the transaction. The waiter returns the receipt and credit card. You sign the receipt and slip the card back into your wallet.

The waiter and cash register were clearly in your line of sight the entire time. Was this a safe transaction, or is it possible that you have been taken advantage of in this scenario?

If you are like most individuals, you did not stop to look at the credit card when it was returned to you. Criminals are using the old switcher technique. During the transaction process, your credit card has been switched with another credit card. The swapped card is often one that has expired and from the very same bank as your credit card.

Take just a moment to glance at your card and make sure it is yours. Giving your credit card a second look may save you bundles of cash and problems in the future.

Also, remember to look at your register receipt. Most places have begun identifying only the last four digits of a credit card or debit card, but occasionally, you will still find a place that includes your entire card number on the receipt. Mark out your card number. This will help to ensure your card number is safe and not easily accessible and ripe for the picking.

Picture the scene of lockers at the gym. You toss in your belongings prior to your workout. Upon returning to your possessions, you realize the door was not closed completely. You scan your goods. Everything seems to be fine. Nothing is missing. A week later, you receive a statement in the mail from your bank. A series of withdraws have been made from your checking account. You discover during a call to the bank that someone has traded your bank card with a phony.

It was not obvious to you at the time when you searched your wallet. Nothing was missing when you looked through it. Because everything seemed to be in order, the criminal had time to have a shopping spree on you.

Cell phones are now equipped with cameras. What does this have to do with identity theft you may wonder? It is so easy for someone to take a picture of your card and save the information on their cell phone. With the popularity of cellular phones with picture abilities, one may not even think twice if a person next to them was playing with their cell phone while in line at the store. When holding your card, try to keep it covered by your hand. This will reduce the risk of someone stealing your card number and information.

Frequently, a cashier will lay a credit card down on the counter while waiting for the transaction to be verified. This time is a perfect opportunity for someone to take a snapshot of the card.

Be careful to protect yourself. These few simple steps will help to safeguard your important card information. By looking at your card when it is returned to you, criminals will have less opportunity to switch it with a similar card. A second glance can save you tons of trouble in the future. Protect yourself by knowing how the criminals are trying to get your card and card numbers.