In fact, the weeks surrounding the holiday season are the most popular for credit and debit card fraud. This is because busy shoppers are less inclined to read over their statements, and more likely to disregard transactions that they don't remember.
Data thieves take advantage of this fact, so now is the time to be extra vigilant! Here are some pointers to help Fountain Hills residents!
1. Get receipts. Some businesses only issue receipts by request. Be sure to get a receipt and take a moment to verify that your total is correct. Keep your receipt for verification against your billing statement or bank account.
2. Check your account activity. Reconcile your receipts against your online transaction record or billing statement. It only takes a few minutes a day! Make a habit of checking your accounts, even if you have not made any purchases lately.
3. Question transactions you don't recognize. Your bank or card issuer can provide more details to help you verify the legitimacy of the charge. Don't be embarrassed about verifying small transactions! Thieves often try a small "test" before hitting you for more.
4. If you suspect that your card data is at risk, take action. Why wait for a problem? If you have good reason to believe that your card information has been compromised, close the account and open a new one. Your bank or card issuer can make sure that pending, valid transactions are still honored.
5. Don't carry all your cards with you. The fewer cards you carry along, the better. Plan your shopping trips ahead of time and only bring the cards that you need. Lock away the rest.
6. Never leave the tip line blank. If you are not leaving a tip, strike a line through this area. Do not fill in the tip line with zero, because someone could write numbers around it. Read the receipt, and make sure the total charge is correct.
7. Avoid card skimmers. Data theft devices can be placed on ATMs and gas station card readers. Whenever possible, complete your transactions inside with a clerk.
8. Watch your card, and watch your back. Smart phones are everywhere, and thieves can easily photograph your credit or debit card once you hand it over. Pay attention to whoever is handling your card.
Also watch the area behind you. If you are about to ring up a transaction, but the customer behind you seems to be a little too close - and they have a phone in hand - excuse yourself and exit the line. Pay attention to your instincts!
If you are thinking of buying a Fountain Hills home in the near future, take extra precautions with your credit! An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
As your Accredited Buyer Representative for Fountain Hills, I will always look out for your best interests! Please contact me whenever you have questions regarding Fountain Hills real estate!
Wishing you all the best in the New Year,
Tina Nabers
Nabers Property Management & Real Estate
