The whole business of personal security has been undermined by the introduction of cards to identify people’s details.  It seems that as soon as a new system is introduced, the thieves are working on a method of breaking into that system.

Here are a few pointers to help keep credit card use safe and secure:

1. Be very careful where you use your PIN.  Never allow anyone to see it or use it on your behalf.  It should always be the cardholder who enters the PIN and this should not be viewed by anyone else.
2. As soon as you receive your card sign your name on the signature strip on the back of the card.  This is when your card will be at its most vulnerable – someone else’s signature on your card invalidates it and leaves it wide open to misuse.
3. Keep your card always in the same place.  If it disappears, you are more likely to notice it is missing.
4. Do not keep a note of your PIN number on or near to your credit card.  The combination of the card and the PIN is the perfect opportunity for a credit card thief.  Make sure you commit the number to memory.  It is usually possible for the number to be changed to one you’d prefer as soon as you receive your card.  Do not make it something obvious like birth dates or addresses.
5. Have the telephone number of the card issuer somewhere handy so that if something does go wrong you can let them know immediately and the card can be stopped.
6. Check your credit card bill as soon as it arrives so that you will spot any discrepancies as soon as possible.  Online accounts allow you to view transactions almost as soon as they happen.
7. Keep all your receipts until they have shown up on a bill and you know you are happy with the goods you have bought.  You must have proof of purchase in case a retailer changes the amount to come off your card.
8. Shred all pieces of paper or envelopes that have your name, the name of the business you dealt with or personal numbers written on them.  Card thieves are well known for rifling through rubbish to obtain personal details to use for themselves.
9. Make sure you use different PINs for different cards – the thieves could have a field day if they find the same number opens all your accounts to them
10. Use a secure site if you shop online.  Look for a lock icon on the site you are intending to make a purchase from.  The URLs that begin with ‘https’ are generally secure – or there may be a padlock or key sign on the page to indicate security.