Was your credit card lost or stolen? Here's what to do.

Act quickly with these tips to help you prevent loss and identity theft

One thing that happens to credit card holders at least one time in his or her life has had their credit card lost or stolen. This can be one of the most devastating times in your life. The threat of identity theft is always prevalent and the thieves look for their opportunity and take it whenever they can.

Report it Right Away!

It is critically important that you report your loss as soon as you realize your card is missing. Many card companies have twenty-four hour hot lines just for this reason. It is important that you know exactly where you used the card last. It is important to notify the credit card company ASAP, however it is also recommended that you send a letter also. Include the date of your initial phone call and all the information you gave. Making the phone call first will cancel your card and minimize any danger of thieves using your card.

Homeowners have the added benefit of having credit card theft included in their homeowners insurance. That means if your card is stolen and fraudulent purchases are made, you are not liable for them. There is however a deductible that must be met before the insurance covers any losses.

It is important to understand that if your credit card is used for fraudulent purposes, you may be liable for the first fifty dollars. However, federal laws prohibit charging you any more than that.

Protect your cards

It is a sad but true fact that in today’s day and age, you need to be very cautious and protective of your credit cards. There are a lot of dishonest people who are looking for an opportunity to steal credit cards. It is important that you keep your cards buried in your wallet, and that you never carry your pin numbers with you.

Important Reminders

There are certain guidelines that you should follow to insure that your identity is safe. These guidelines were created to combat the increase of identity theft in the world today.

Do not give your credit card number to anyone, especially if you are purchasing something for the first time. After you have done business with the company for some time, should you consider paying by credit card. If you are not a hundred percent sure of a company, then do not give them your card.
Store your account number and pin number in a place that is not accessible to everyone. Never, under any circumstances should you carry this information with you. Many people choose to use a safety deposit box because of the security features that they have. You may also choose to use a home safe or a fireproof box with a lock and key feature.
If you credit card payment is taken by using a manual method, it is critical that you take the carbons with you. Your card number is on those carbons, and many people have lost their identity because of dumpster diving.

When you follow these guidelines, you are insuring that if your credit cards are lost or stolen, that you will not lose your identity also. Keeping your records in a secure place will give you the peace of mind in knowing that you will not become a victim of identity theft.

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