What are some ways to protect yourself against credit card fraud?

use the cash machine inside the bank, thats what my mum does.

I like using the paypal plug-in. It generates a one time use credit card number so it won’t work when they try to run it.

Shred everything that has any info about you on it, check your credit reports (free!) annually, use one dedicated credit card to make online purchases, bank online, make sure that your internet is secure, ask WHY someone needs your SS# (or other private info) before giving it over….and read:
http://www.amazon.com/Stealing-Your-Life-Ultimate-Prevention/dp/0767925866/ref=pd_bbs_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1218665085&sr=1–1

Here are the 2 best suggestions I have:

1. Go to OptOutPrescreen.com or call 888–5-OPT-OUT (888–567-8688). These are the credit reporting industry’s opt-in/opt-out resources, which stops the four credit reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian, Innovis, and TransUnion) from selling your credit information to direct marketers. You can opt out for a five-year period or permanently. (You can always opt in again if you decide you’d like to get these offers in the future.)

2. Add your name to the Direct Marketing Association’s (DMA) Do Not Mail file. You can access this service online by going here, or you can send a letter or postcard with your name, address and signature to Mail Preference Service, Direct Marketing Association, PO Box 643, Carmel, NY 10512. Online requests carry a $5 fee, while mail requests are only the cost of postage. The DMA’s member companies check against the Do Not Mail file to take out names of people who don’t want to receive offerings by mail. Your name stays on the list for 5 years, and you can re-register at the end of that period.

get rid of the credit card

As someone who has been through this experience- tell your credit card companies to stop mailing paper statements. Then make sure that this includes those awful ‘convenience checks’ that they send out every few months.

Here are 21 tips from ScamBusters. An excerpt:

” 1. Keep an eye on your credit card every time you use it, and make sure you get it back as quickly as possible. Try not to let your credit card out of your sight whenever possible.

2. Be very careful to whom you give your credit card. Don’t give out your account number over the phone unless you initiate the call and you know the company is reputable. Never give your credit card info out when you receive a phone call. (For example, if you’re told there has been a ‘computer problem’ and the caller needs you to verify information.) Legitimate companies don’t call you to ask for a credit card number over the phone.”

If your really concerned have a mailing address (PO box) different from your drivers license. They have you put your zip code in the pump to pump for gas but if someone steals your wallet they have your drivers license already and your zip code is right there.

@rockefeller et al I would also add to the checking your credit report FOR FREE at www.annualcreditreport.com you should check each credit bureau on a rotating basis.

e.g check Experian in JAN
Equifax in MAY
Trasunion SEPT

You can check each credit bureau 1x/year. If you do it as suggested above, you can actually check a credit report 3x/year.

When you receive email asking for updates on the info in your credit card, check and verify if the email is legitimate before giving out information; that is phishing. Also, be careful of your things when you are out, beware of pickpockets. You can also get some insurance for extra protection.