7 Tips St Louis Mortgage Consumers Must Understand To Stop Credit And Debit Card Theft
St Louis mortgage consumers are constantly bombarded with safety tips on how to protect the use of our credit cards and now we use debit cards when we make transactions in person, on the phone or the web.However, one may be caught absolutely off guard to know that identity theft can happen to you even when you still have your credit card or debt card in your hand.
Most users have never heard of the term "skimming." This new wave of crime utilizes modern technological advances where a thief can much more easily steal your credit card information.
St Louis finance experts are claiming that credit and debt card skimming is now getting to be an epidemic while becoming more newsworthy due to recent skimming incidents such as those at Bank of America.
Retails stores that take credit and debit cards such as dining establishments, bars, gas stations and ATMs are becoming more susceptible targets for skimming.
All a thief has to do is get hold of your credit or debt card, scan it through a small hand held electronic device and in seconds has all your financial details that is saved on your card.
Criminals are also targeting ATMs now. By using cameras or watching you as you key in your 4 digit pin code, these heartless white collar thieves can now use up your bank.
So, here are 7 tips to help keep your financial information private and safe:
1. Do not forget to always keep your bank or credit card company updated on your personal information as you will need this to claim fraud charges.
2. While you are thinking about it, go and write down all customer service phone numbers found on the rear of your cards and keep this list in a protected place. Oh, and look at your monthly bank statement very carefully.
3. If an ATM is in bad shape or run down, walk, better yet run away! A sign of a dirty machine may mean that it is not working or may be a criminal clone waiting to steal your information.
4. Another tip that most consumers forget about is notifying your credit card company when you go on travel and the destination of your trips. They can decline any suspicious charges much faster when they have this information.
5. If you notice that the front of an ATM machine looks damaged or loose, this may be an indication that someone has attached a skimming unit.
6. If there are suspicious individuals casing the ATM, they probably want your cash or are wanting to observe you type your PIN number. If you at any time lose your card in a machine, just leave. It may be best to politely turn down assistance from someone who may have been watching you. You can always call your bank and obtain a new card.
7. Cover the pin pad using your other hand when putting in your PIN number.
Another good piece of advice that was mentioned above is to confirm your balance on a frequent basis when your statement arrives.
For those who use their debit cards more often should also know that the laws protecting credit card holders do not apply to debit card purchases. So, you are more secure using a credit card.
St Louis finance analysts advice always notify your bank or credit card company within two days of losing your cards. This may help restrict your losses to $50. The worst thing you can do is postpone this needed phone call. You may end up suffering greater financial losses by waiting.
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