How to Protect Yourself Against Credit Card Identity Theft 

Most of us use credit cards so regularly that the process is second-nature. But don’t let yourself get too casual when using your card or handling your receipts. It’s just that lack of attention that identity thieves need to gain your personal information. Keep these basic tips in mind and make each credit card transaction safer: 

• Don't give your credit card account number over the telephone unless you initiated the call and know the business to be reputable. 
• Read your credit card statement carefully and immediately notify your card issuer of any errors or unauthorized transactions. 
• Don't leave your credit card receipts, statements, or any account information lying around for others to see. Keep them in a safe and secure place. Tear them up completely before throwing them away. 
• Contact the card issuer immediately if your card is lost, stolen, or subject to fraudulent use. These situations are particularly stressful, but taking the right steps can prevent a bad situation from becoming worse.
• Use credit cards that have your photo and signature on the front.
• Sign your credit cards immediately upon receipt.

Should you lose your card or wallet, or be the victim of theft, follow these 4 steps when needed:

1. Cancel all credit/debt cards, memberships and discount cards (companies will send cards for replacement accounts).

2. Call the three credit reporting agencies below and ask them to place a block on your credit. The block will be on your credit from six months to a year. You can also have a block placed on your credit record. This block will prevent anyone from obtaining credit or gathering credit information on you. All three agencies will send you a free copy of your credit report. Check it for any discrepancies. If you later need to obtain any instant credit, you must first remove the block. Approval will only be granted from your home phone. 

3. File a police report with the jurisdiction in which the wallet was stolen. Who knows…they may find it. More importantly, in certain situations, you may be asked for this official report by your credit issuers or a credit reporting agency.

4. Take a few minutes now to write down everything that is in your wallet. Keep the list at home in a safe place. You'd be surprised what you forget is in there. Once you have received your new credit cards, identification, etc., photocopy everything and store the copies in a secure place…not in your wallet.