Recently the number of scams highlights the growing risks of fraud to consumers. One area that is on the rise is ATM fraud. We need to be cautious when using our credit or debit cards as it is easy for someone to steal your information. By the time you find out, it could take days, weeks or even months to fix. Here are some tips to safeguard your credit and debit cards.

1.Keep an eye on your card when paying for merchandise, at restaurants and gas stations. I know of one case where a waiter actually added a zero to the customers tip column 14 times before he was caught. Imagine leaving a $10 tip that reflects $100 on your credit card bill!

2.Consumer groups say credit cards offer more and better legal protection over debit cards. If you have a choice, use the credit card.

3.Be careful at the ATM machine, check for hidden cameras, and people looking over your shoulder when entering your PIN number. Check your bank balance on a regular basis to be sure no one has tampered with your account.

4.Closed compromised accounts immediately, change your PIN number if someone got access to your account/funds.

Remember, your credit is everything! Use these tips to protect yourself and your financial resources.

This entry was posted on Monday, March 26th, 2007 at 7:43 am and is filed under General Interests. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.