Avoiding fraud

Below are 14 valuable tips to help you avoid charge card fraud:

1. Never leave your cards unattended.
2. Safeguard your personal identification number (PIN). Do not write it down — memorize it. Share your PIN with no one.
3. Monitor your card during transactions. When the card is returned, check to make sure it is indeed yours.
4. Make a list of your card numbers with key contact information, in case you need to report cards lost or stolen.
5. Immediately report lost/stolen cards and/or any questionable charges.
6. Sign the back of a new card as soon as you receive it. If you do not receive a replacement card before the expiration date of the older card, contact the bank.
7. Destroy unwanted or expired cards and shred (or secure) monthly statements and receipts.
8. Always verify charges appearing on your monthly statement. Note that online statements provide a faster, more efficient way to check for fraudulent activities.
9. Unless you initiated the purchase, never give your charge card information over the telephone, through the mail, or on the Internet.
10. Consistently check your card account for accuracy of personal and billing information. Notify the bank if your personal information and/or address needs updated.
11. Never let a telemarketer or salesperson pressure you into agreeing to a deal.
12. Be aware of common charge card scams. If you are unsure of a situation, please contact your A/OPC or the bank.
13. Examine your credit report at least once a year.
14. Update the anti-spyware and anti-virus software on your computer.