Tips to keep credit cards safer online and offline

Follow these tips to reduce the chance of having your credit card information stolen.

09:37 12 May 2013

Credit card fraud is something no one really wants to consider. The reality can be a bit intimidating, or even downright frightening.

 

Technology has its benefits, but one of the drawbacks is how easily compromised your credit card can be. Places on the internet sell thousands of credit card numbers for very little money.

 

Here are a few tips to help you keep your credit card safe:

 

• Line of sight—this is difficult at times, but keep your card in sight when paying at restaurants and petrol stations.  If you have the opportunity to fill your own vehicle and pay directly at the pump, it’s safer that way.

 

• PINs—you’ve heard it a million times, don’t share your PIN. We all know it’s easy to share a PIN with someone we think we trust, and perhaps nothing comes of it, but they may not guard the information or your credit card as closely as you do. If you do give out your PIN, contact the credit card company and change it as soon as possible.

 

• Dustbins—before you toss an old credit card statement or a receipt, take an extra few moments to shred the documents. Despite advanced technology many fraudsters can find more than enough information simply by checking the dustbins.

 

• Inbound calls—if you receive a call and they request your credit card number or PIN, don’t give that information out. Anyone legitimate will already have that information on their file, and wouldn’t need you to confirm it. If you question the identity of the caller get an ID number and call the credit card company directly to see if it was a legitimate call.

 

• Online habits—this is a very difficult one, but its best not to save your credit card information when shopping online. Use a one-time purchase option, and don’t allow your browser to save the information either. Always close your browser tabs after you have logged out of a banking page, or page that you used to purchase something.

 

These tips can help you keep your credit card information safe from prying eyes both online and with traditional shopping.