Preventing Credit Card Fraud

Do’s and Don’ts on what you carry in your wallet

Dont’s

• Carry your social security card or number in your wallet.
• Carry your Medicare card as the owner’s social security number is printed on the card.
• Carry any notes or cards that reveal personal PINs or passwords to confidential information.
• If you aren’t traveling leave your passport at home.
• If you don’t plan on using your checkbook; leave it at home as it reveals your bank information

Do’s

• Always be sure to keep any membership cards within your wallet.
• Carry your credit card for emergencies; be sure to only carry the credit cards you are going to be using (leave the rest at home in a safe place).
• Not everywhere accepts plastic; be sure to always have some cash on you.
• This may sound like common sense but never leave the house without your driver’s license.
• If you have a new card with a chip in it, you should question the stores that do not have a chip reader for the new cards.
• Get a RFID protection wallet. This ensures that people cannot take your credit card number from you in public places.

How to know if a website is secure to shop on?

• Check the web address for https instead of http (the S stands for a secure sight).
• Check for a padlock icon on the screen; it is usually located on the bottom left hand side of the screen.
• Online scams happen all the time. The rule we suggest you to use is if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
• Don’t click on pop-up ads. These are fraudulent sites and may fool you for looking similar to the real one.
• Do they have a return policy? If they do this is a good sign that it is a safe place to shop
• Look for other customer reviews and comments within the webpage to verify it’s trustworthy and a real site.
• Make sure the site has a physical location and a phone number where you may contact them.

Follow these tips to keep your banking information safe.