You Can't Be Too Careful...with Your Credit Cards
When you read the news or listen to news programs, you've undoubtedly heard about the increasing problem of credit card fraud. Examples such as this are enough to scare any consumer: Not long ago a woman dined at a favorite restaurant. She paid by credit card. When she received her next credit card bill, though, she was shocked. She saw charges of several hundred dollars for things that she didn't buy.
There are steps you can take to protect yourself, and since you may be thinking about finances during tax season…why not take a moment to review the following?
Common Sense Tips About Credit Cards
These suggestions are things most of us know, but common sense tips only work if we take the time and effort to do them.
- Don't lend your card to anyone else - even family members. If you want someone else to use your credit card, go with the person and do it yourself.
- Limit the number of credit cards you carry.
- Don't write your PIN (personal identification number) on your credit card. This prevents thieves from using your card and PIN to withdraw money at an ATM machine.
- Do write down the phone numbers of the credit card companies and keep them in a safe place to have them handy if a credit card is stolen or lost.
- Report lost or stolen cards immediately to the credit card company. The credit card company can stop the thief by canceling your credit card and number.
Thieves can charge merchandise to your account by simply knowing your credit card number. Some criminals can even make a new credit card with your name and number on it.
- Cut up or shred new credit card offers you receive in the mail and don't intend to use, so no one else can apply for a card using your name.
- Don't give your credit card number to telemarketers unless you are sure they represent a reputable company or you placed the call.
- Beware of telephone or e-mail scams that ask you to "verify your credit card number" due to a company computer problem.
- Shield your credit card from the people around you, whether you are at a store, a restaurant, hotel or any other place.
- Before you sign -- make sure your transactions are accurate and don't leave blank spaces where additional amounts can be added.
- Find a place to store your credit card receipts to match to your monthly billing statement.Once you've checked the receipts to the statements, shred any receipts you don't want to keep for other reasons.If you see charges you don't remember or don't understand on your monthly billing statement, call the credit card company immediately.
- Shred any "cash advance checks" (often sent along with your statement) you don't plan to use.
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It's Tax Time
With taxes due soon, the following resources are available to help if you have questions. |
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Internal Revenue Service The IRS provides a great deal of free information. The following are sources for forms, publications and additional information:
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AARP Tax-Aide
The AARP Foundation offers free assistance with tax forms through its Tax-Aide Program. The Program is available through April 15 and is often located in senior centers, libraries and malls. To find a location convenient for you, call toll-free (888) 227-7669 (888 AARP NOW) and follow the prompts. www.aarp.org/taxaide/ |