We received a phone call from Visa about three years ago asking if we made a $400 purchase in an Ohio Walmart. Uh… no? The rep said our card number is compromised and he will remove the fraudulent charges and cancel our card.
Good thing we answered the phone! How could this happen? The Visa rep said that the most likely reason is that we handed our card to a waitress to pay for our dinner, she went to the back, wrote the number down then sold it later. Whaaa!
So… here are some tips to avoid being ripped off:
1) Use cash. Carrying $100 in cash won’t make you any more of a target for a mugging than if you carry credit cards.
2) Use PayPal for online transactions.
3) Store your social security card, passport, etc. in a safe deposit box.
4) Never use non-bank ATMs like those at gas stations or convenience stores.
5) Use a secure place to receive mail with a locked box – not a street mailbox.
6) Shred pre-approved credit offers.
7) Review your bank statements, credit report, and social security report.
9) Install Antivirus and Firewall protection on your computer.
10) Sign up for automatic payroll direct deposits.
11) Sign up for paperless bills and statements.
Hey, I don't want this picture. What gives?