How To Protect Yourself Against Credit Card Fraud

In the high tech world of today, credit card fraud is an ever increasing problem.

By 2005 it is estimated that the online payment industry will capture $12.5 Billion in revenue. This is up over 20% from 2004.

In the United Kindom alone, credit card fraud cost companies £504.8 Million in 2004.

With so many people shopping and paying online it is no wonder that credit card fraud is on every online consumer's mind.

There is no way to guarantee credit or credit card fraud will never happen to you. But there are a few steps you can take to make it more difficult for someone to capture your card or card numbers and minimize the possibility.

Sign your cards as soon as they arrive.

Carry your cards separately from your wallet, in a zippered compartment.

Keep a record of your account numbers, their expiration dates, and the phone number and address of each company in a secure place.

Keep an eye on your card during the transaction, and get it back as quickly as possible.

Void incorrect receipts.

Destroy carbon copies.

Save receipts to compare with billing statements.

Open bills promptly and reconcile accounts monthly, just as you would your checking account.

Report any questionable charges promptly to the card issuer.

Notify card companies in advance of a change in address.

IT is important to remember to not give your credit card to anyone.

Never leave credit cards or receipts lying around.

Never give out your account number over the phone.

John Parsons is founder of http://CorporateNarc.Com. The mission of http://www.CorporateNarc.Com is to educate the public in consumer affairs and to provide consumers with up-to-date business information. In addition we hope to ensure better services for the consumer by exposing business fraud and corruption, as well as unfair and deceptive business practices.

This article my be reproduced as long as the author's name and url to http://www.Corporatenarc.com are present at the end of the article.

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