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Security
Basics--
To protect
yourself
against loss
or theft of
credit, sign
your credit
card
immediately
so no one
else can use
it. File the
papers that
came with
your card in
a safe
place.
Always
protect your
credit cards
as if they
were cash.
Just like
cash, credit
card numbers
can be
stolen.
If your
credit card
has a PIN
(personal
identification
number), do
not keep
your PIN
with your
credit card.
File the PIN
separately.
Keep your
account
number to
yourself.
Give your
credit card
number or
expiration
date over
the
telephone
only if you
know you are
dealing with
a reputable
company.
Never put
your account
number on
the outside
of an
envelope or
on a
postcard.
Draw a line
through
blank spaces
on charge
slips above
the total so
the amount
cannot be
changed.
Keep copies
of sales
slips and
compare
charges when
your monthly
statements
arrive. If
you see any
questionable
charges or
errors, you
must report
these, in
writing, to
the card
issuer,
within 60
days.
Make a
record of
your credit
card
numbers,
their
expiration
dates, and
the
telephone
number for
each credit
card company
in case of
an emergency
such as
reporting
lost cards.
Carry only
those
credit
cards you
regularly
need,
especially
when
traveling.
Never give
out
additional
personal
information
when you use
your card
for
purchases.
Merchants
cannot ask
for a
driver's
license
number or
phone number
as a
condition
for
accepting
your card.
All that's
required is
your
signature.
Never use a
credit card
as personal
identification.
Your credit
privileges
and history
are too
precious to
risk.
Under
the
Fair Credit Billing Act,
you are protected whether you
use your card online, over the
phone, through the mail, in
person or at a store. If you
find any questionable charges
or billing errors on your monthly
credit or charge card statement,
you may dispute the item and
provided you follow the guidelines
for resolving a dispute you
may withhold payment for that
amount while the issue is being
researched. The issue might
be a charge for the wrong amount,
for something you didn't accept,
or for a product or service
that wasn't provided. To dispute
a charge on your credit card:
-
Write
to the creditor and include
your name, address, credit
card number, and a description
of the billing error. Look
for instructions on the back
of your billing statement.
-
Send
your letter as soon as possible.
You must notify the card issuer
in writing within 60 days
after the first bill containing
the error was mailed to you.
In your letter, include your
name and account number, the
amount of the error, and the
reason you believe there is
an error. The card issuer
will then investigate the
problem and either correct
it or explain why the original
bill was correct. The issuer's
response must occur within
two billing cycles but no
later than 90 days after the
issuer receives your billing
error notice. Although you
do not have to pay the amount
in question during the investigation,
you are still responsible
for payment on the remaining
balance.
Unauthorized
charges
If your
credit card
is used
without your
authorization,
you can be
held liable
for up to
$50 per
card. If you
report the
loss of a
card before
it is used,
the card
issuer
cannot hold
you
responsible
for any
unauthorized
charges. If
a thief uses
your card
before you
report it
missing, the
most you
will owe is
$50.
Whether
you're interested in computer
software or compact discs, online
shopping can give new meaning
to convenience and choice. Should
you decide to pay by credit
card, your online transaction
will be protected by the Fair
Credit Billing Act just as other
transactions. But before you
visit your favorite online store,
take care to make your cyber
shopping
experience safe. Security is
a must and begins with your
connection and your browser.
Unsecured information sent over
the Internet can be intercepted.
That's why a secure browser—one
that encrypts or scrambles purchase
information—is important.
If you're unsure if your browser
is secure, check with your Internet
service provider. When you're
ready to make an online purchase,
pay close attention to the information
you need to enter. Be cautious
if you're asked to supply personal
information such as your Social
Security number or your mother's
maiden name. If you have any
doubts, cancel your order immediately.
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