Identity theft is a huge problem in today’s world. According to the Federal Trade Commission, 9 million Americans fall victim to identity theft every year. This is a huge number, and although not every attack can be stopped, many can be prevented. The most important way to arm yourself against identity theft is by being proactive about your card.
What can you do?
Be smart about using your card. Guard your information online and on your smartphone. Clear your logins and passwords, and pay for online purchases with your credit card, instead of debit. In addition, be sure that you only use your credit card on secured websites (ones that have https:// in the menu bar and a lock image).
You should also monitor your financial statements regularly and set up alerts to automatically spot suspicious charges. Every credit card issuer has fraud checks in place, so sign up to get the best protection possible. By putting these measures in place, you’ll be less susceptible to fraud.
