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Understanding credit fraud - How to prevent credit fraud. There are several ways for someone to get your Credit Card information. They may get it from the card itself, find it on receipts or monthly statements you've thrown away, steal it from your mailbox, or get it through an Internet- or telephone-based scam. The following tips will minimize your risk:
1. Whether on the phone, by mail, or on the Internet, never give anyone your card number, Social Security number, or other personal information for a purpose you don't understand. 2. Treat your Credit Cards like cash; don't leave them in unsecure areas. 3. Shred any documents that show your Credit Card information, Social Security number, or driver's license number before throwing them away. 4. Destroy unwanted offers of preapproved Credit Cards before throwing them away. 5. When you receive a new card, sign and activate it immediately. 6. When choosing a password for an account, avoid such easily obtainable information as your mother's maiden name. 7. Don't carry your Social Security card. Keep it in a safe place. 8. Memorize your PIN numbers instead of carrying them with you. 9. Don't write your Credit Card number on checks. 10. Get rid of Credit Cards you don't need. 11. Use ID Safe to monitor your Credit Report for potential signs of fraud.
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