8 No-Cost Tips to Guard against Identity Theft & Credit Card Fraud

Here's eight ways for you to guard against identity theft
while saving yourself time and money:

• Make sure your credit card company has your most
  current phone number (especially your cell phone -or-
  work number) so the card company can call
  you immediately when they spot suspicious charge
  patterns on your account.

• Don't ever use your ATM debit card for Internet
  purchases. Your credit card fraud liability is limited
  to $50 but ATM debit card fraud could drain all of the
  available funds within your checking account.

• Be on the lookout for small but unusual transactions
  such as frequent purchases at gas stations you did not
  make.

• If you get a phone call or an e-mail about
  suspicious activity on your account, give no
  information over the phone or on-line.
  Instead, write the card representative's name down on
  paper and attempt to call them back at the number
  listed on the back of your card.

• Frequently inspect your statements on-line.

• Call your credit card company immediately if a
  monthly statement doesn't appear in the mail on time.

• Shred your statements once you've checked to make
  sure they're correct.

• Shred new card solicitations promptly after
  reading them.