Oh, the holidays. Visions of beautifully wrapped gifts and decorated homes sometimes lead us to overspending. Charging what we want and paying for it later often leads to those January blues known as credit card bills. So be especially careful with credit cards not only regarding how much you spend, but also in the way you use your card, especially around the holidays.
Safety Steps for Holiday Shopping Shopping online should only be done with a credit card. Never send cash to a merchant you're doing business with online. Buying your holiday presents this way is truly no more risky than shopping in person if you have a browser that encrypts information. Most modern browsers have this capability.
You don't have to be a computer expert, but realize there is a big difference between sending someone information via a website versus email. Criminals can take information in emails quite easily. If you suspect that you are a victim of identity theft, be sure to report your case.
Try to know something about the online merchant you're dealing with. The bigger stores that have been around and have a history are going to be safest. You will want to print and save any receipts you get. Also, be sure to record on paper transaction numbers or confirmation numbers. If you're shopping in person, you need to stay the vigilant among the throngs of shoppers. Shopping by credit card leaves you vulnerable in the following ways: Credit Card SkimmingSkimming is when the person you give your credit card to runs the card through a small device that steals the information on the card by reading the magnetic strip. Once a thief has this information, your card will be used to commit a crime. If possible, try to watch your credit card during the entire transaction.
Pick-PocketingIt sounds like something out of Oliver Twist, but the fact is leaving your card exposed on a counter or in your purse while you look at something else is an open invitation to a felon. Be careful, especially when the stores are crowded, with your wallet, purse and credit cards.
Credit Card Receipt Theft
Be sure you keep all your receipts. A new twist on an old crime involves stealing a customer's receipt so that a criminal can claim some merchandise was actually paid for. If your receipt includes any personal information about you, your name or credit card number, never simply crumble it up and throw it into the trash. Bring it home with you and dispose of it there, preferably in a paper shredder, unless you need the receipt for returns.
|
Print
E-mail
Del.icio.us
Digg
