Credit Card Skimming On the Rise
Thursday, May 7th, 2009In the world of credit card security a new danger has arisen as something that consumers have to be aware. Devices that 
are placed on credit card readers to steal the card numbers are popping up at various locations in the community. Common locations include gas stations where you pay at the pump. But also, there have been reports of these illegal devices showing up at ATM machines as well. More vulnerable are those machines which are not located on the grounds of a bank or credit union but are in neutral areas like malls and other shopping centers. Another area that this is occurring is at some restaurants.
Go to frequently used locations. When you perform your business in the community in which you live, make use of the same locations. Use the same gas and convenience store, as well as the same ATM, too. This will make you familiar with the machines and how they look.
Look for anything suspicious. When you go to a gas/convenience station or ATM, look for anything that is out of place If you see anything that looks like it might not be a part of the original machine, then do not use it. Also, call the banking center and notify them that something does not look right. This will give them reason to go and check it out.
Not just credit cards, but debit cards, too. Remember that using these machines places not only your credit card numbers at risk, but debit cards, too. This makes it even more serious since you cannot get the money back in a fraudulent transaction because debit cards do not have the protection that credit cards are afforded. This is due to the nature of debit cards: the money comes right out of your account.
Protect your cards at all costs. You must be concerned more than ever about protecting your cards. With the number of identity theft and fraud cases on the rise, you cannot be too careful. Here are some tips that can help in this area:
Never lend your card to anyone. As painful as it may be, this applies to family members, too. Remember that your credit is a valuable thing to protect and it only takes one incident to cause serious damage to it that is very difficult to remove.
Never let your card out of your sight. Do not allow your credit card out of your sight. This applies to not only in carrying it around, but when you make a transaction, as well. In restaurants, it is popular to give your card to the server, who then walks away and makes the charges to the card. But, did they also copy down the number and other information for use later? That is becoming more common, too.
Never flash it around or show it to anyone. Keep your credit cards out of sight until you have to use them. Keep them secure in your wallet or purse.
Always question ‘double-swiping’. When making a purchase, if you are asked to provide your card a second time because the transaction did not go through, then ask for a receipt showing the failed transaction before you hand your card over again.
Look at your receipt before you leave the establishment. Make sure that what you paid is what you received. Also, check to make sure that your credit card number is not showing on your receipt. There should be asterisks with only the last four numbers showing. If the complete number shows, then alert the merchant.
Put email alerts on your accounts if possible. Some credit card companies allow you to put email alerts on your accounts for certain activities. This is a great thing to take advantage of in monitoring your accounts. Some are even turning to using text messages to your cell phone which is a good thing as well.
Be extra careful. It never hurts to be more careful than you think that you need to in order to prevent becoming a victim. Keep in mind that criminals are always looking for opportunities to steal for themselves, so take extra caution to protect yourself.
May 21st, 2009 at 2:14 am
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May 26th, 2009 at 1:03 pm
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