Protect Your Credit Card From the Latest Identity Theft Techniques

Most credit card users are aware that they need to be wary of identity thieves who would like nothing better than to gain the card number from an unsuspecting consumer. So while consumers should continue to be wary about giving out their credit card information in person, by phone, or over the Internet to anyone who they don't know, there are some other things to also look out for.

Many sandwich shops offer coupons for a free sub. Some thieves have taken to buying up a number of these coupons, and then picking up a similar number of credit card applications. These criminals will go to a shopping mall or other highly-trafficked area and ask people to sign up for a credit card to get a free sandwich. Once the person has filled out the application, the thief has all their personal information, including a social security number. To an identity thief, this information is much more valuable than the cost of a hoagie.

To avoid becoming a victim of this scam, consumers can apply for credit cards online at secure Websites like www.CreditCardXPO.com.

Another way identity thieves are getting at credit card information is through the use of that popular piece of technology, the camera phone. As the cardholder goes to use their plastic at an ATM or somewhere else the card number is publicly visible, the nearby thief snaps a photo.

Cardholders using an ATM or taking their credit card out in public should notice if anyone nearby has a camera phone at the ready or appears to be getting a look at the card number. Consumers should try and keep the actual card number obscured by their hand when they take it out from a wallet.

Make an identity thief's life tougher by always thinking about ways to protect your credit card information and taking the necessary precautions.

$1 on Your Credit Card Can Cost You Thousands

A new identity theft scheme puts a charge of just $1 on your credit card, in what is creatively known as the "one dollar scam."

In this new scam, thieves buy hundreds of stolen credit card numbers, then put a $1 charge on each of them. But is the next step in the scam that really earns the crooks some cash.

Should you be one of the unlucky hundreds of cardholders who ends up with a dollar charge, and then doesn't notice it, the next month the thieves will bill thousands of dollars of merchandise to your credit card.

The scam works because by revealing who doesn't read their credit card bill carefully in order to pick up on the initial $1 charge, the thieves target unaware consumers. The consumers who don't closely examine their monthly credit card statements are hit with thousands of dollars in charges they never approved.

To avoid becoming a victim of this scam, always consider every charge that appears on your monthly credit card statement. Should you find any questionable charges, do not hesitate to call your credit card company using the card issuer's phone number provided on the back of your card or on your bill.

By remaining a vigilant credit card user, you can prevent yourself from becoming the victim of credit card fraud.

Credit Card Users Can Take Steps to Protect Themselves From Identity Theft

Credit card users, and consumers in general, are right to be concerned about identity theft. This growing problem threatens their bank accounts and credit scores, and can result in the loss of time for victims working to recover from having their information stolen.

But there are ways to protect yourself. While one of the most well-known steps involves always shredding credit card offers and any documents containing personal information before throwing them in the trash, there are a number of other ways to avoid becoming a victim of identity theft.

• Know where your important documents are kept, including your passport, driver's license, and social security card, and make sure they stay safe -- possibly in a locked drawer or cabinet.
• Immediately report the disappearance of any mail you should have received from a credit card issuer or your bank.
• When credit card bills or banking statements arrive, look them over ASAP. Contact your credit card company or bank directly if you spot any unusual or unauthorized charges.
• Investigate any credit card or other bills, invoices, or receipts for good or services you have not ordered.
• Get a copy of your credit report from all three major issuers and look for any items that are unfamiliar.
• When moving, be sure to get your mail forwarded to your new address. Then, follow up by ordering a copy of your credit report two to three months after the move.
• Keep a list of the phone numbers you need to call if credit cards or debit cards are stolen.
• If you have a safe deposit box at the bank, consider storing valuable financial information (like stock certificates) there.

There are also companies out there that can help you to prevent identity theft or help you fight identity theft problems. Protect yourself from Identity Theft today.

Beware of Mail Theft at Tax Time

Tax season may not be the favorite time of year for most Americans, but there is one group of people that looks forward to it annually -- mail thieves.

Mail theft is a major issue during tax season, since thieves know that personal information delivered to your mailbox may be ripe for the taking. Credit card applications are a jackpot for identity thieves year-round, but at tax time their focus turns to W-2s. W-2s include social security numbers, birth dates, and salaries, which credit card applications do not.

The information contained in a W-2 offers fraudsters the chance to open credit card, bank or other accounts with the victim's data, as well as to make purchases and even apply for a job. Separately, postal inspectors warn that a stolen W-2 can be used by a thief to file for an advance loan off a tax return.

And, even with some companies offering their employees electronic W-2 forms, the danger remains that personal information stolen from somewhere else can be used to create a fake W-2 under the victim's name.

There are some steps people can take to avoid having their tax information stolen. The primary defense is to simply check the mail each day as soon after it gets delivered as possible. That leaves thieves with little time to snatch mail that contains personal information. In fact, this is a wise strategy any time during the year when you are expecting the delivery of credit cards, checks, or similar items.

Meanwhile, if you plan to be on vacation or away from home for a considerable amount of time, consider placing a hold on your mail or renting a post office box. You could also ask a trusted friend or neighbor to pick up and hold your mail for you.

Also, let the issuer know as soon as possible if you do not receive your W-2, credit card mailings, or other valuable mail. And, contact your local postmaster or nearest postal inspector if you believe your mail was stolen. Should you move, be sure to update the post office and anyone you do business with.

If you want to stop banks from mailing credit card applications year round, protect yourself by contacting the Direct Marketing Association. By visiting CreditCardXPO.com, you can compare numerous credit card offers yourself and apply safely online instead of simply responding to applications you may have received in the mail.

Even though over 400,000 people fall victim to mail theft each year, by taking action you can help avoid joining that group.