Spotting Credit Card Fraud and Identity Theft
Are you concerned about identity theft and credit card fraud? It’s hard to tell whether we are just hearing about it more or if it’s becoming more of a real threat. Either way, identity theft and credit card fraud are things to be aware of, and it is easy enough to look for indications of trouble.
When you receive your credit card statements each month, do you read through them carefully and verify every transaction, or simply look them over, decide the charges look right and pay the bill? It takes a little more time to get out your receipts and verify every transaction, but it can help you spot credit card fraud and avoid overpaying on inaccurate charges.
First, you’ll avoid overpaying for honest banking or vendor errors made in transactions that are inaccurate. Second, if someone is testing the water so to speak or sneaking in a few charges here and there to vendors you already regularly use, you’ll notice right away.
One of the best ways to protect against identity theft is to check your credit report from Equifax, TransUnion and Experian. Look for missing or inaccurate information, and especially look out for accounts and debts that are not your own.