Checklist for preventing identity theft
1. Keep a secure place for sensitive documents, such as credit card statements, receipts, the cards themselves.
2. In that place, keep a list of what is in there, such as account numbers, account expiration dates, phone numbers to ask questions or report stuff.
3. Don't lend your card to anyone, not even your spouse.
4. Don't give out sensitive stuff on the phone unless you believe the party on the other end of the phone line is reliable. If you are not sure, do Internet research for reviews or complaints.
5. Every outing, take only the cards that you need for it.
6. Carry the cards separately from your wallet.
7. During a transaction, don't ever lose sight of your card.
8. Never sign a blank receipt; draw a jagged line through any blank space above the total.
9. Save your receipts to compare with your statement.
10. Open your bills promptly or check them online to reconcile with your purchases.
11. Report any questionable charges to the card issuer.
12. Let your card issuers know when your address change or you are traveling.
Finally, what to do if you realize your card has been lost or stolen: Your card issuer should have toll-free phone lines.
[Thanks, Federal Trade Commission Consumer Information]
1. Keep a secure place for sensitive documents, such as credit card statements, receipts, the cards themselves.
2. In that place, keep a list of what is in there, such as account numbers, account expiration dates, phone numbers to ask questions or report stuff.
3. Don't lend your card to anyone, not even your spouse.
4. Don't give out sensitive stuff on the phone unless you believe the party on the other end of the phone line is reliable. If you are not sure, do Internet research for reviews or complaints.
5. Every outing, take only the cards that you need for it.
6. Carry the cards separately from your wallet.
7. During a transaction, don't ever lose sight of your card.
8. Never sign a blank receipt; draw a jagged line through any blank space above the total.
9. Save your receipts to compare with your statement.
10. Open your bills promptly or check them online to reconcile with your purchases.
11. Report any questionable charges to the card issuer.
12. Let your card issuers know when your address change or you are traveling.
Finally, what to do if you realize your card has been lost or stolen: Your card issuer should have toll-free phone lines.
[Thanks, Federal Trade Commission Consumer Information]
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