HAVING A CREDIT card is often a privilege for many who love the convenience of having pre approved credit at their disposal. But while this card provides convenience, it can also be a disadvantage as it makes the owner a candidate for unscrupulous persons intending to defraud him or her.
In defrauding the owner of the credit card, information is usually stolen and used to make purchases on the owner's account.
There are several ways that people can steal information from a credit including at the point of sale. For example, at a restaurant or store, one might offer their credit card as payment for services or goods purchased.
However when one offers up the card, the information can be taken down by the customer service clerk who can later use it to make his or her own purchases.
PAY ATTENTION
The Jamaica Constabulary Force's Fraud Squad indicate that despite the risks, credit card holders can protect themselves by paying great attention to the use of their card.
Credit card holders are advised to be in view of the persons swiping their card at all times. If you are at a restaurant and want to pay for food it would be best to go with the waiter or waitress to see the transaction, rather than handing them the card and leaving them to do it on their own.
The Fraud Squad also suggests that persons pay careful attention to their credit card statements as this is key in detecting unauthorised purchases. Keep all receipts of purchases made and compare them with what is provided on the statement. Where there are irregularities, report them promptly to the institution which issued you the credit card.
While there is no guarantee of total protection against credit card fraud or preventing the use of your information by criminals, being vigilant and careful about the use of your card and paying attention to the statements will make it easier for you to catch any irregularities early and stop them before it is too late.
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