• At Home and in Your Wallet
  
• Shopping and Other Transactions
  
• Credit Card Statements
  
• Lost and Stolen Cards
  
• Call Your Credit Union!
  

There is no doubt that credit cards can make life easier-they allow us the freedom to buy things without cash in hand, to shop by telephone, to consolidate many purchases into a single monthly check, and to travel abroad without traveler's checks or large amounts of foreign currency. Unfortunately, it is so easy to convert credit cards into cash and merchandise that they are an extremely attractive target for fraud artists.

You need not allow yourself to be a victim of fraud, however. There are many steps you can take to prevent this crime from happening to you.

At Home and in Your Wallet

1. When you receive a new credit card, sign it in permanent ink.


2. Keep your credit cards separate from your wallet. Carry only the cards you use frequently or may need in an emergency. Carry cards you rarely use (for specific stores, etc.) only when you plan to use them. Consider canceling cards you rarely use.


3. Keep a list of all your credit cards with their member numbers and the phone numbers and addresses of the issuing companies in a safe place. If your wallet is lost or stolen, notify each issuing company immediately.


4. For cards requiring a Personal Identification Number (PIN), the issuer should mail the card and the number separately. If the issuer has chosen a PIN for you, change it immediately. Do not write your PIN on the card or on anything you carry with the card.


5. If your children have credit cards, keep in mind that in some states you may be responsible for their debts, whether or not you have co-signed for their credit cards. Ensure that your children understand the dangers of credit card fraud, too.


6. Do not let others borrow your credit card.


7. Be aware of the risks when applying for joint credit card accounts and authorizing additional users of your individual accounts-you may be liable for another person's charges in both cases. Keep a record of any authorized users (spouses, friends, parents, children) and joint accounts, and notify the credit card company right away if your situation changes.

Shopping and Other Transactions

1. Keep an eye on your card when using it at a store or elsewhere. Do not let the cashier take the card away from the cash register, and make sure he or she gives it right back to you when the sale is complete.


2. Pay attention to how the credit card slip is filled out. Do not sign a blank slip. Draw lines or put zeros in blank spaces. Make sure the "TOTAL" box is filled in, and that you agree with the amount.


3. Make sure you get a receipt whenever you buy something or return something. Verify that you are receiving a credit voucher, not another sales draft, for items returned. If there are other purchases on the receipt in addition to the item you are returning, insist that the clerk return the original receipt to you (the clerk may make note of the item returned on the receipt). If a purchase was rung up incorrectly, verify that the sale was correctly voided so that you will not be charged.


4. If you are paying by check at a store that requires a credit card as identification, do not allow the clerk to write down the credit card number.


5. When using your credit card, do not give the merchant any personal information. Visa regulations forbid merchants from asking you for personal information, such as your address or telephone number, as a condition to accepting your card. Merchants may require only a valid card and your signature.


6. Protect your PIN if you are using your credit card at an ATM. Do not tell others your PIN or allow them to see it when you are using an ATM. Do not write your PIN on your card or on anything you carry with the card.


7. NEVER give a credit card number to someone who has called you. If you feel that the call is legitimate (if you have recently ordered something by mail or phone, for example), hang up and call back using the number you called when placing the original order. If it is a solicitation call from a charity you would like to support, ask them to mail you the request, or call them back using the number listed in the phone book. Give out your credit card number only when you have placed the call and are certain the organization is legitimate.

Credit Card Statements

1. Open your credit card bill as soon as it arrives. Match your receipts with the transactions listed in your statement. Verify that the total amount for each transaction matches the receipt you signed. Reconcile the account like a checkbook to be certain that your card has not been used without your knowledge.


2. If you have questions, call the issuing company immediately-it's possible that they or a merchant made an error. If the dispute cannot be resolved over the telephone, report the discrepancy in writing immediately. You have the right to withhold payment for any dispute amount (and only the disputed amount) without Penalty (i.e. finance charges) until the issuer can investigate and make a decision, but you must notify the Issuer and cooperate with their investigation. You may want to consider sending the letter certified mail and requesting a return receipt. You will need written proof that you did everything possible to resolve the dispute in court or other official proceedings.

Lost and Stolen Cards

1. Report a lost or stolen credit card to the issuer as soon as you know it's missing-at any time, on any day. If you don't have a list of the issuing companies and are not sure what number to call, try calling 1-800-555-1212 for a toll free customer service number for every institution that has issued you a credit card. Most large credit card issuers have 24-hour customer service representatives who can deactivate the card right away. The first few hours are critical, especially if you suspect the card has been stolen-most thieves make their expensive purchases in the first few hours or days, assuming the card will soon be reported stolen.


2. Stolen cards should also be reported to the police.


3. If you're traveling abroad and your cards are lost or stolen, the American embassy or consulate may be able to help you get in touch with the credit card issuer.


4. Record the time and date you place calls to issuers, as well as the first and last names of the service repre- sentative that assists you and any other relevant information.

Call Your Credit Union!

For additional ideas on combating credit card fraud, call your credit union's credit card, loan or member services department. They may be able to suggest additional ways for you to protect your credit cards and yourself.