Safety First: Protecting and Storing Your Credit Card Info

Protecting your privacy and identity is one of the top consumer issues of the 21st century. Identity theft is still on the rise, despite new laws and better privacy security. Once a thief nabs even a credit card number or check number, he can wreak havoc on your credit report by racking up thousands of dollars in fraudulent charges.

What can you do to protect your credit card info from theft? Your best bet is to always be aware of where your credit cards are at all times, and know what is happening on your accounts each month. Here are some ways you can better protect yourself:

Don’t carry cards in your purse or wallet “But where do I carry them,” you ask? Many people purchase a small credit card holder or business card wallet that is strictly used for transporting their credit and other charge cards. By keeping your credit card pouch separate from your wallet or purse, you help prevent the chance of lost or stolen cards if you lose your wallet, or if your purse is stolen.

Don’t sign your credit cards The credit cards you carry with you are always subject to a chance of being stolen. Instead of signing your name on the back of the credit card, simply write, “Please Check Photo ID.” That way, if a card is ever stolen and attempted to be used in a store, the clerk should see your request and ask for the user’s photo ID. It may not be foolproof, but it offers another step of security for your cards.

In case of emergency break glass If your credit cards should ever be stolen, you need to have a backup plan in place to call your credit card companies right away. First, inform them that your cards have been stolen and how long they have been out of your possession. Second, tell them the last transaction you remember making on the card. Then have them cancel the cards right away and issue you a new one. Depending on how many cards you have, this could entail calling numerous different credit card companies.

How do you keep everything in order? Always store your credit card and account numbers, along with the company contact phone number for each card, in a safe place in your home. When you have all the pertinent information immediately available, this helps give you act quickly against the thieves who may be trying to use your credit cards. The quicker you can contact your credit card companies, the faster they can stop the fraud.

Your credit card information is one of the most important things to keep safe as a consumer. Your information could easily be accessed or stolen by savvy identity theft culprits who want to take advantage of your money and credit. Don’t give them the chance. Stay on top of your credit cards and all the information and you can stop them in their tracks.

Write to Grace Carter at grace@creditdonkey.com