Credit fraud dos and don'ts

The Federal Trade Commission's Bureau of Consumer Protection offers these tips on how consumers can avoid credit card fraud.

Do

• Sign your cards as soon as they arrive.

• Carry your cards separately from your wallet, in a zippered compartment, a business card holder or another small pouch.

• Keep a record of your account numbers, their expiration dates and the phone number and address of each company in a secure place.

• Keep an eye on your card during the transaction, and get it back as quickly as possible.

• Void incorrect receipts.

• Destroy carbons.

• Save receipts to compare with billing statements.

• Open bills promptly and reconcile accounts monthly, just as you would your checking account

• Report any questionable charges promptly and in writing to the card issuer.

• Notify card companies in advance of a change in address.

Don't

• Lend your card(s) to anyone.

• Leave cards or receipts lying around.

• Sign a blank receipt. When you sign a receipt, draw a line through any blank spaces above the total.

• Write your account number on a postcard or the outside of an envelope.

• Give out your account number over the phone unless you're making a call to a company you know is reputable. If you have questions about a company, check it out with your local consumer protection office or Better Business Bureau.

Also

If you lose your credit or charge cards or believe they've been stolen, contact the agency that issued the card or cards immediately. Most have 24-hour, toll-free numbers to deal with such issues. By law, once you report the loss or theft, you have no further responsibility for unauthorized charges. Also, your maximum liability is $50 per card.

To file a complaint or get more information, call (877) 382-4357 or ftc.gov.

Source: Federal Trade Commission