8 tips to prevent post holiday credit card fraud

With your cards being used online, over the phone and in person it’s easy to lose track of purchases. The key is keep good records and be diligent about your security. Here are eight great tips that will go a super long way in preventing post holiday account takeover in the form of credit card fraud.

#1. To ensure your best chances of escaping fraudulent activity involving your credit card (which can occur even if the card isn’t stolen), follow these tips:

• Go over every transaction online and account for it. Inquire about unfamiliar purchases with family members who are permitted to use your card.
• Immediately phone the card issuer if you spot a suspicious transaction.

#2. Document order confirmations. Screenshot the final confirmation page of your purchase, and save the confirmation e-mail.

#3. Personal information protection. Before you buy online, review the website’s privacy policy regarding personal information requests and how this will be used. Consider it a red flag if you can’t find this information.

#4. Online purchase security. A secure website will have an icon of a padlock, followed by https:// before the website address in the URL. There are also many toolbars that offer a greet/red color code this is usually a feature in most browsers.

#5. Phishing scams. If any e-mails come your way requesting your personal or financial information, don’t click the malicious link inside; delete immediately. Some scam e-mails try to convince you there’s a problem with your order. Contact directly the site of purchase to verify whether or not there’s an issue with your order. Do not investigate this through the e-mail message. 

#6. Beware of skimming. Carefully observe employees whom you hand your credit card to for purchases. A crooked employee may scan the card to obtain your number.

#7. Always take the credit card receipt, no matter how small the purchase.

#8. If you think your identity has been stolen in regards to new account fraud then you need to step it up.

• If you suspect fraud, contact Equifax, Experian and TransUnion to issue a fraud alert on your credit reports.
• Pull your credit reports from these three bureaus to check for any suspicious accounts in your name. Check your credit reports again in six months.
• Pull your credit reports for inspection (it’s free) every 12 months as a smart measure.
• Get a credit freeze
• Invest in identity theft protection.