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Methods of Protection |  |
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| A valuable guide on protecting your credit card and avoiding common errors. Also some tips on online safety and preventing credit card fraud. |
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| Online Safety |
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| Though these points are mainly pertaining to the US we can pick up valuable tips from the same. |
| It is seen that although the numbers are increasing, consumers are still not using their credit cards on the Internet nearly as much as e-tailers (electronic retailers) would like. That's why many cyber-merchants continue to offer a toll-free order number so that shoppers have the choice of calling their order in. Cyber-shopping may be convenient - and some people do all of their shopping online - but credit-card fraud is always a threat, both on the Internet and out in the real world. Hackers have found ways to steal credit-card numbers from Web sites. |
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| To illustrate the importance of tight security, a network TV reporter, tipped off about loose security on an Internet Web-hosting site, was able to gain access to about 1,500 customer records, which included everything from credit-card numbers and payment records to comments about particular customers. |
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| These are the kinds of stories that deflate consumer confidence. Some e-tailers blame consumer reluctance on the inability in cyberspace to make the kind of personal contact that a shopper gets when he looks into the eyes of a store merchant. Experts say that this kind of comfort level will be boosted when online payment methods and security measures are standardised - much as they are in the retail and mail order industries. |
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| While Internet companies have taken responsibility for security breaches and resulting losses to credit-card users, there remains the growing problem of people who use stolen credit cards to make purchases on the Internet. And while unfair or fraudulent practices by credit card companies are not commonplace, they do happen. The good news is that consumers are protected by the law. In case of credit-card fraud online or off, you are only liable for a maximum of $50 of the amount stolen. |
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| If the mailing-list issue bothers you - and it bothers most of us - pay attention when you're completing that credit-card application. Some application forms now provide a box that you can check to allow or disallow the selling of your information to mailing lists. You can also protect yourself by taking your name off the credit bureaus' mailing lists. |
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| Other Methods of Protection |
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| These tips are important and universal: |
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| Sign your card - as soon as you receive it! |
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When you use your card at an ATM, enter your PIN in such a way that no one can easily memorise your
keystrokes. |
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| Don't leave your receipt behind at the ATM |
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| Your PIN and account number from a discarded receipt could make you vulnerable to credit-card fraud. Also, don't throw out your credit-card statement, receipts or carbons without first shredding them! |
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| Never give your credit-card number over the telephone unless you initiated the call. |
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| Even when you place the call to a legitimate merchant (such as a mail-order company), never give your card number out over a cordless phone. Radio scanners that eavesdrop on these conversations are available for a few hundred dollars at Radio Shack, and your voice can be received by one from a far greater distance than the maximum useful range of your cordless phone. One common scam is when someone calls you "back" right after you place an order, claims to be from the merchant and tells you that there was a problem with your card number - would you mind giving it to them again? The best thing to do is to ask them to read you the number they have - and then change any incorrect numbers. |
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Ignore any credit-card offer that requires you to spend money up-front or fails to disclose the identity of
the card issuer. |
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Make certain you get your card back after you make a purchase. Also, make sure that you personally rip
up any voided or cancelled sales slips. |
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Always keep a list of your credit cards, credit-card numbers and toll-free numbers in case your card is
stolen or lost. |
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Check your monthly statement to make certain all charges are your own, and immediately notify the card
issuer of any errors or unauthorised charges. |
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| Catching Errors |
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| One way to avoid billing errors and unjustified fees is to carefully go through your monthly credit-card statement, making sure all the transactions are legitimate and that other charges - finance charges, late or over-the-limit charges - are justified. |
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| Some of the problems which occur can be defending against billing errors, unauthorised use of your account, goods or services charged to your account but not received or not provided as promised, and charges for which you request an explanation or written proof of purchase. Here are some important steps to take when you encounter one of these problems: |
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Write to your card issuer or creditor within 60 days after the first bill containing the disputed charge is
mailed to you. (Even if more than 60 days has passed since you were billed for the item, you still might
be able to dispute the charge if you only recently learned about the problem.) |
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In the letter, give your name, account number, the date and amount of the disputed charge and a
complete explanation of why you are disputing the charge. |
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Send your letter to the address provided on the bill - do not send the letter with your payment. (To be sure
that your letter is received and that you will have a record of its delivery, you might want to send it by
certified mail, with a return receipt requested.) |
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If you follow these steps, the creditor or card issuer must acknowledge your letter in writing within 30
days after receipt and must conduct an investigation within 90 days. While the bill is being investigated,
you don't have to pay the amount in dispute. (The creditor or card issuer is not allowed to take action to
collect the disputed amount, report the amount as delinquent or close or restrict your account during this
time.) |
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If it is determined that there was an error or that you don't owe the amount you're being held responsible
for, the card issuer must credit your account and remove any finance charges or late fees relating to the
amount not owed. For any amount still owed, you have the right to an explanation and to copies of
documents that prove you owe the money. If the bill is correct, you must be told in writing what you owe
and why. You will owe the amount disputed plus any finance charges. |
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