Credit and charge card fraud costs cardholders and issuers hundreds of millions of
dollars each year. While theft is the most obvious form of fraud, it can occur in
other ways. For example, someone may use your card number without your
knowledge.

It's not always possible to prevent credit or charge card fraud from happening.
But there are a few steps you can take to make it more difficult for a crook to
capture your card or card numbers and minimize the possibility.

Guarding Against Fraud
Here are some tips to help protect yourself from credit and charge card fraud

Do:

• Sign your cards as soon as they arrive.
  
  
• Carry your cards separately from your wallet, in a zippered
  compartment, a business card holder, or another small pouch.
  
  
• Keep a record of your account numbers, their expiration dates,
  and the phone number and address of each company in a
  secure place.
  
  
• Keep an eye on your card during the transaction, and get it
  back as quickly as possible.
  
  
• Void incorrect receipts.
  
  
• Destroy carbons.
  
  
• Save receipts to compare with billing statements.
  
  
• Open bills promptly and reconcile accounts monthly, just as
  you would your checking account.
  
  
• Report any questionable charges promptly and in writing to
  the card issuer.
  
  
• Notify card companies in advance of a change in address.

Don't:

• Lend your cards to anyone.
  
  
• Leave cards or receipts lying around.
  
  
• Sign a blank receipt. When you sign a receipt, draw a line through any
  blank spaces above the total.
  
  
• Write your account number on a postcard or the outside of an
  envelope.
  
  
• Give out your account number over the phone unless you're making
  the call to a company you know is reputable. If you have questions
  about a company, check it out with your local consumer protection
  office or Better Business Bureau.
  

Reporting Losses and Fraud
If you lose your credit or charge cards or if you realize they've been lost or stolen,
immediately call the issuer(s). Many companies have toll-free numbers and
24-hour service to deal with such emergencies. By law, once you report the loss
or theft, you have no further responsibility for unauthorized charges. In any event,
your maximum liability under federal law is $50 per card.

If you suspect fraud, you may be asked to sign a statement under oath that
you did not make the purchase(s) in question.