10 tips for keeping your credit card(s) safe and sound:
1. Don’t give your account number over the phone unless you’ve initiated the call. If you’ve dialed a wrong number, don’t give it out at all.
2. Consider a card that has added security features, like a photo ID.
3. Never write your account number or PIN on the outside of an envelope or postcard.
4. Draw a line through blank spaces on charge slips above the total to prevent any changes. You want to tip well, but you do not want to leave room for a dishonest person to take advantage of you either.
5. Don’t sign a blank charge slip unless absolutely necessary, and only if it’s in an actual store.
6. Save receipts.
7. Always check receipts against your monthly statements. If anything looks fishy, report it within 60 days of the statement’s mailing date.
8. Make a list of card numbers, expiration dates, and the toll-free numbers of your credit card companies. Keep this record in a safe place, separate from where you keep your cards. Use this information if you ever have to report your cards lost or stolen.
9. Carry only the cards you need, especially when traveling. To clarify: you may need 1 or 2 cards. You probably will not need 6.
10. Do not leave cards or receipts lying around your room, no matter where you live.
