It's a Crime: Credit Card Theft
Credit cards have become an everyday part of our lives. With a simple swipe of the credit card virtually every financial transaction can be made. Some of these transactions include the purchase of a daily cup of coffee, clothing purchase, almost every restaurant imaginable, grocery purchase, etc.
Another important use of credit cards are purchases made on line. By simply shopping for our consumer needs, the internet can be accessed, the shopping cart is filled and by inputting credit card information the transaction is completed.
However, there always seems to be a downside to everything. The use of credit cards is no different. This is especially true as the more the credit card is used the greater the percentage of falling victim to credit card theft.
Therefore, it is important to discuss ways that credit card theft can be accomplished and measures that can be taken by the credit card holder to minimize their risk.
Methods Of Credit Card Theft
Unfortunately, there many methods that unscrupulous individuals can practice credit card theft. Some of those techniques are high tech in nature and some are not, but in either case credit card theft can be a very unnerving experience.
For example, individuals can comprise commercial websites and gain access to their customer's personal information. This personal information can be name, address, account numbers, date of birth, etc. All of this personal information can be utilized by the thief to pose as that individual and make unauthorized purchases. To help minimize these efforts by "hackers" it is important that, when conducting business online, that internet providers of services utilized technology methods to prevent hackers from accessing sensitive information.
In addition, to technology credit card theft is the simple old fashion way of someone physically stealing a credit card. Also, an unsuspecting individual may receive a phone call from someone who maybe misrepresenting themselves. Often these individuals pose as a credit card company or other merchandizing firm. During the course of the conversation or through a fraudulent e-mail they may ask for the individual's credit card number and expiration date.
Minimizing Risk Of Credit Card Theft
With the various and innovative ways that these individuals endeavor to gain credit card information it is important to remember a number of things. By following a few simple rules regarding credit card information the credit card hold will minimize their risk of being a victim of credit card theft.
First of all, it is of utmost importance that individuals never give their credit card numbers over the phone or via the internet to an entity in which you the credit card hold has not prompted the call. Almost all reputable business or credit card companies will not call the customer asking for that sensitive information.
Secondly, it is important that you keep a record of all credit card numbers, expiration dates and customer service numbers. This information should be kept in a safe place. Therefore, if a credit card is lost or stolen, the number can be called to immediately cancel the credit card.
