01/18/2006 - 22:20:01
According to the Federal . Trade Commission, credit card scams trap nearly 10 million Americans every year. Here are three schemes to look out fore and how to protect yourself.
"Insurance" For your Credit cards
The Scam: You get a phone call from a '' Salesperson" falsely claiming that laws limiting your liability for unauthorized credit card charges made on your card in the event of theft or fraud.
The Response: Credit card protection offers can often be fraudulent. Hang up on any caller you suspect of making suspicious or false statements. Never give your credit card number or Social Security Number to unsolicited callers.
Find Gold in Your Garbage
The Scam: Thieves often go through trash cans, garbage bags and dumpsters to find discarded receipts, carbons or credit card statements that contain your credit card or Social Security Number.
The Response:
Use a paper shredder to destroy all receipts and statements before throwing them out. Keep your Social Security Number. In a private, secure location.
Making Copies
The Scam: A store clerk or waiter makes an extra imprint of your credit card or writes down your card number and uses it to make personal charges.
The Response:
Save all receipts to compare with your monthly billing statements. Promptly report any questionable charges in writing to your credit card company.
The best way to protect yourself from credit card scams is to be wary of unsolicited offers, shred all personal information before discarding it, and never leave extra copies of your receipts in a store or restaurant. To file a complaint about fraudulent charges or business practices, contact the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc.gov or 1-877-FTC-HELP.