We are all protective of our homes and our other big possessions.
We place alarms and trackers on our cars and install alarm systems with fire alerts on our homes, but there are other aspects of our lives that we should secure even more. Securing our credit card information can save us a headache as well as our cash.
Credit cards are therefore as important as our other possessions, so every credit card owner should take the following points into consideration.
Delete Online Saved Credit Card Info
So many people are guilty of this. They log on to a big online retail store, enter their credit card information and click the "save credit card information" checkbox.
In the name of convenience, we opt to leave sensitive information online just so we won't have to do it again. Don't do it. Though we consider these retailers to be stalwarts in online security, if your own personal security is lacking it may be easy for someone to gain access to your account and use your card.
Strong Online Banking Passwords
Many of us have a credit card from our personal bank which means that all too often more than one account is linked. Getting access to your regular banking online account or your credit card online account can provide leverage for thieves to use your information to their advantage.
Bypassing security on just one account might mean the culprit can apply for a credit card on your behalf or can transfer money from your accounts. The best way to overcome this hazard is to ensure you use strong passwords for all your online banking sites. Since there is computer software available that can be used to work out passwords by running through the entire dictionary, try to avoid using an actual word or name.
Instead, choose something that is somewhat obscure and constructed from a range of lowercase and uppercase letters as well as numbers.
Shred Papers
You've probably heard this before, and it cannot be reiterated enough.
Shred all important documents before disposal, and never put any whole papers in the garbage or recycling. This includes credit card statements, new credit card accompanying letters, anything with your signature and anything with your address which could be used as proof of where you live.
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Invest in a small shredder or just put scissors to paper when you need to clear out sensitive documents, and spend most of your time destroying those parts of letters that contain the really vital information.
Keep Your Friends Close and Your Credit Card Closer
Your credit card should be with you, or at least somewhere you consider safe, at all times.
There should be no handing it off to attendants, loaning it to friends, or leaving it on the coffee table in the den. You should take full responsibility and understand that all it takes is a minute for an unscrupulous individual to quickly snap pictures of the front and back of the card and go wild with the information.
Protect Yourself
As the credit card company will point out to you when you first open your account, the card is your responsibility, not theirs.
It is essential that you protect all the information related to it, the card number itself, the expiry date, the issue date and the CVV number. And remember to keep an eye on those who are around you when you are using your card, particularly at ATM locations and Chip and Pin devices.