If They Get The Card Before You Do Then They Can Spend Money In Your Name

Credit card identity theft is on the rise, and if you are not careful you could become a victim and lose hundreds or even thousands of pounds. By the time you know the money has been spent, the thieves might have racked up many different credit card debts, as well as other loans and financial products.

Your identity is your most precious thing, and if someone gets hold of it they can make it look like you have spent vast sums and got yourself into debt. It pays to know how to prevent identity theft, so here are some tips about how to do just that. One of the most common ways that thieves can get hold of information is to intercept or remove from rubbish credit card mail offers. Be careful with mail offers. Although many people remember to get rid of bills and other items properly, they forget about these items, as they believe they are junk mail. If they get the card before you do then they can spend money in your name.

However, many of them have information about you on them and only require a thief to sign the document and send it back to obtain a credit card. Make sure that you properly shred or dispose of any financial mail, whether you think it is junk mail or not. Apart from destroying unwanted mail, you have to make sure that any letters or records that you want to keep are stored safely. Keep all records safe. Although many people store their records safely at home, they forget about new records such as bank statements when they are out and about. Make sure this does not happen by keeping all your important documents safe and secure.

Many people have their information stolen by leaving a bank statement lying around whilst at work or out somewhere. Be safe online. Make sure that you only use your credit card on web sites that you trust, and never give your information to over an email or phone call. Another way that thieves can steal your information is through the Internet. Make sure that the page where you enter your details is secure using HTTPS, and try and limit your online credit card use to your home computer rather than in public places. The trouble with identity theft is that you don' t usually know it has occurred until it is too late.

Check your statements. The best way to stop identity theft before it gets out of hand is to regularly check your credit card statements. If there is something on your statement that looks wrong or odd, contact your card issuer immediately and they will be able to help you. You also keep all your receipts and compare them with your statement so you will easily be able to see if there is anything out of place. You are covered. If you follow these simple steps then you will be less likely to become a victim of credit card identity theft. Although identity theft can be a big problem, if you can prove that you did not buy any items or give up your information, then your card issuer should be able to refund all or part of the money that was taken.