You might think that it is impossible to protect yourself from fraud and identity theft but with the new laws that have been introduced recently; you can actually do something about it. These laws state that all those companies who ask for your personal details, such as your CVV number or social security number, must not ask for this information any longer. If they do; they are committing a criminal offence under the Identity Theft Act. You are also protected against unscrupulous companies who try to sell your details to other companies either for a fee or by using your details to generate sales for themselves.
So what are the ways to avoid your credit card details from scammers? First of all, stay away from those online CVV shop as they pose the biggest threat to your personal security. These shops are full of spammers preying on people’s desperation. By using their services you could open many doors for them to take.
Also be very careful when giving out your details over the phone. If you get a call offering you a credit card but don’t have any, hang up the phone! Never give out bank account details over the phone or your details will end up in the hands of telemarketing firms and scammers.
When you go online to apply for a loan, shop around and get quotes from different lenders and financial institutions. You should compare interest rates and other fees and charges. Do your homework before applying online. Always check for legitimacy and reliability of the website before you fill in any form. Check all the information provided by the website properly. There are many websites available to assist you with this task.
There are many different types of credit cards available in the market. Make sure you shop around to find the best deal. Also do your research about the company you are going to apply for a card from. They might ask for your bank details in order to process the application. Never provide your bank details to them as this will prevent you from getting a normal credit card.
Credit cards are basically just an identification code you put on your name and any one else’s name to make payments. Never give out your personal details, as it could help others steal your identity. Always remember to check your email a few times a day to make sure that you haven’t got any new emails that would not be suitable for you.
When shopping online make sure you shop with a trusted and secured site. Scammers tend to target younger people who don’t have too much knowledge about these sites. It is easier for these scammers to obtain your details and use it to open a new account in your name.
When filling out forms always fill them in the correct manner. Even if you think it looks like the answer is correct, double check it just in case. Double check because there’s always a chance that the information entered may become crucial later on. Keep in mind that if you need a credit card, you should have a stable job and bank account to be able to pay for it. If you don’t have these things, it is better that you try to get a secured credit card instead.
You can also prevent scammers by using sites such as PayPal. They are becoming quite popular now and you can set up one in less than 5 minutes. Just go to the site and enter some information
and pay by using a credit or debit card. The website will be able to check if everything is correct and then forward the information to your account. They will be able to report back if anything needs to be done.
Another way is to not reply to emails that ask for your details. Emails from banks and other financial institutions are sent to people’s addresses. Don’t respond to them as they are probably scammers trying to obtain your credit card information. Instead, delete the email and report it to the email provider so they can check if your account is genuine.
If you have lost your card then never write it down. This is one of the top 7 ways to avoid your credit card details from being stolen. It could be easily re-used to make purchases online. Also keep it safely tucked away in a safe place. These are the best ways to avoid your details being stolen.