Visa Security

Fraud Prevention

All card users are potential victims of card fraud. A thief does not have to steal your card or rifle through your trash to get account numbers. Any time you use your card you are making your account number available to everyone who is involved in the transaction, from the sales clerk to the billing staff of the creditor.

Ten Ways To Help Protect Yourself From Credit Card Fraud

• Never leave cards or receipts lying around.
• Destroy all carbons and incorrect receipts.
• Avoid signing blank receipts.
• Keep a record of your card numbers, their expiration dates, and the phone numbers and addresses of each creditor, in a secure place.
• Report any questionable charges to the card issuer promptly and in writing.
• Never give your account numbers over the phone, unless you are initiating a transaction with a company you know is reputable.
• Sign credit cards, in ink, as soon as they arrive.
• Save receipts to compare with your billing statements.
• Carry credit cards separate from your wallet.
• Photocopy or write down everything you keep in your wallet or purse. Give a copy to somebody you trust and can contact if necessary.
• Instruct everyone who is authorized to use your account to take the above precautions.