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7 Points St Louis Mortgage Customers Should Understand To Prevent Credit And Debit Card Theft
St Louis mortgage consumers are constantly bombarded with safety tips on how to protect the use of our credit cards and now we make use of debit cards when we make operations in person, on the phone or the web.
However, one may be caught totally off guard to know that identity theft can happen to you even when you still hold your credit card or debt card in your hand.
Most users have never heard of the word "skimming." This new wave of criminal offense utilizes modern technological advances where a criminal can much more easily get your credit card information.
St Louis finance experts are pointing out that credit and debt card skimming is now becoming an epidemic while becoming more newsworthy as a result of recent skimming incidents like those at Bank of America.
Retails stores that take credit and debit cards such as restaurants, bars, gas stations and ATMs are turning into more susceptible targets for skimming.
All a thief has to do is get hold of your credit or debt card, scan it through a small hand held electronic equipment and in seconds has all your financial details that is saved on your card.
Criminals are also aiming at ATMs now. By using cameras or watching you as you key in your 4 digit pin code, these brutal white collar thieves can now suck your bank dry.
So, here are 7 warnings to help keep your financial information private and safe:
1. Do not forget to always keep your bank or credit card organization updated on your personal details as you will need this to claim deceitful charges.
2. While you are thinking about it, go and write down all customer service telephone numbers found on the back of your cards and keep this list in a safe place. Oh, and examine your monthly bank statement thoroughly.
3. If an ATM is in bad shape or run down, walk, better yet run away! An indication of a dirty machine may mean that it is not working or may be a criminal clone waiting to steal your information.
4. Another factor that most consumers forget about is informing your credit card company when you go on travel and the destination of your travels. They can decline any doubtful charges much faster when they have this information.
5. If you notice that the front of an ATM machine looks damaged or loose, this may be an indication that someone has attached a skimming machine.
6. If there are suspicious individuals casing the ATM, they perhaps want your cash or are wanting to observe you type your PIN number. If you ever lose your card in an ATM machine, just leave. It may be best to decently turn down help from someone who may have been noticing you. You can always call your bank and get a new card.
7. Cover the pin pad with your other hand when entering your PIN number.
Another good piece of instruction that was mentioned above is to verify your balance on a periodic basis when your statement arrives.
For those who use their debit cards more often should also know that the laws protecting credit card holders do not affect debit card purchases. So, you are more protected using a credit card.
St Louis finance analysts recommend always notify your bank or credit card firm within two days of losing your cards. This may help control your losses to $50. The worst thing you can do is delay this needed phone call. You may end up suffering greater monetary losses by waiting.
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