|
Protect
Yourself.
There's nothing more important
than your safety, so don't let your guard down. Here are some tips
to help protect you, your money and your privacy.
Don't
become a victim of credit card fraud.
Credit
card fraud is a multi-million dollar problem in the United States.
Here are some simple precautions to help you keep your credit cards
from falling into the wrong hands.
- Sign
immediately. Sign the
signature panel on your credit cards as soon as you receive them
and keep duplicates in a safe place.
- Memorize
it. Don't carry your
PIN (Personal Identification Number). Memorize it or keep the
number at home.
- Verify
your card. Be sure your
credit card is returned after a purchase, and that it is indeed
your card.
- Wait
for it. Don't leave
your credit and debit card receipts at the checkout counter.
Always take your charge slips and tear up any carbons.
- Save
your receipts. Check
them against your monthly billing statements to make sure you
can identify all of your charges. Report any unauthorized
charges immediately.
- Shred
or tear it up. Discard
receipts at home and tear up all receipts before discarding.
- Keep
it private. Maintain
the privacy of your account statements.
- Out
of sight. Never leave
your purse or wallet unattended and always keep your cards out
of plain sight.
- Never
lend your card. Your
credit card is your responsibility. Also, periodically check to
make sure you have all your cards.
- Keep
a list. In a separate
location, keep a list of account numbers and telephone numbers
to call if your cards are lost or stolen.
- Report
immediately. No matter
where you are, report lost or stolen cards to minimize loss and
liability.
Check
statements and watch your charges.
Be cautious when giving your card number over the phone. Verify that
your monthly statement reflects the amount you authorized. Also
watch for multiple charges.
Use
an ATM safely.
Most
likely, you're using the ATM for more and more transactions and at
times and places that are convenient for you. But don't let your
guard down. Here are some tips to help protect yourself and your
privacy.
- Stay
alert. Be aware of your
surroundings, especially at night. Park in a well-lighted area
and have someone accompany you.
- Report
suspicious behavior. If
you notice anything unusual, cancel your transaction, pocket
your card, and leave immediately. Go to a safe place and call
the police if you suspect dangerous or illegal activity.
- Be
prepared. Have your
card ready. When the transaction is complete, pocket your card
and cash immediately. Count it later in the safety of your
locked car or home.
- Drive-up
ATMs. Remember to keep
your doors locked, your other car windows up and your car
running.
- Treat
your ATM card like cash.
Guard your ATM card as carefully as cash, checks and credit
cards.
- Keep
your PIN (Personal Identification Number) secret.
Do not write your PIN on your card or keep it in your wallet.
- Protect
your privacy and the privacy of others.
Be aware of others behind you. Position yourself in front of the
ATM keyboard to prevent anyone from observing your PIN. Be
courteous while waiting at an ATM, and keep a polite distance.
Allow the person to complete the transaction before approaching
the machine.
- Save
your receipts. Do not
leave your receipt at the ATM. Remember to record each
transaction and match it to your monthly statement.
- Report
a lost or stolen card immediately.
Call your financial institution as soon as you realize your card
has been lost or stolen. If you witness a crime, report it to
the police and to the operator of the ATM.
Guard
your account and personal information.
With
growing criminal sophistication and an increase in identity theft,
we suggest you take the following precautions to protect your
information:
- Be
discriminating when providing personal information,
social security number, or credit card information over the
telephone, in person or on the Internet.
- Report
lost or stolen checks immediately.
Austin Telco will block payment on the check numbers involved.
- Store
cancelled checks and
new checks in a safe place.
- Notify
the credit union of suspicious phone inquiries
such as those asking for account information to "verify a
statement" or "award a prize."
- Review
your credit report at
least once per year for accuracy.
- Memorize
your PIN (Personal
Identification Number) and refrain from writing your social
security number or credit card number on a check.
- Tear
up or shred
pre-approved credit offers. Thieves can use these offers to
assume your identity.
- Keep
mail secure. Don't mail
bills or sensitive information from your home or unsecure
mailboxes. Retrieve and review your mail promptly. Thieves may
use the personal information contained in your mail to steal
your identity.
- Call
the company immediately
if you have not received a monthly bill. Someone may have filed
a false change-of-address notice to divert your information to
his or her address.
- Review
your monthly financial statements
thoroughly. Investigate suspicious items immediately to head off
any possible fraud before it occurs.
- Do
not carry your social
security card, passport or birth certificate unless needed that
day.
If you
think you have been a victim of fraud, immediately contact your
financial institution and any credit card providers.
Also, contact the three major credit bureaus.
Additional
Resources:
www.consumer.gov/idtheft
www.identitytheft.org
www.bbbonline.org
www.privacyrights.org
www.pirg.org
www.ftc.gov
www.fraud.org
|
