You might not really worry too much about credit card security. After all, that’s what all of the security features from your credit card company are for, right? They’re there to protect you from fraudulent charges. It’s also why companies provide secure online ordering. They take on a lot of the responsibility. You shouldn’t rely on them too much though. After all, credit card security really starts with you!

There is little your credit card company can do if you choose to act recklessly with your credit card information. But what is “reckless” credit card behaviour? Here are some examples:

1. You loan your credit card to other people.

Unless someone is an authorised user on your credit card account (in which case they should have an additional card of their own), don’t give your credit card to someone else to use. Not only could they write down the credit card information to use it later online or over the phone without your permission, but they might not keep it as secure as you would so the card might be more likely to be lost or stolen. Does your card not allow for additional cardholders? Then switch to one that does, like the ANZ Low Rate MasterCard.

2. You leave your credit card lying around for everyone to see.

To place an online order, someone needs little more than the information viewed directly on a credit card. You’re basically inviting unauthorised charges by having your card lying around. Keep it in your wallet or some other safe (and hidden) place.

3. You don’t review your monthly credit card statement carefully.

Are you one of those people who looks at the payment due, sends in your payment, and then never looks at your statement again? You might be letting unauthorised charges slip by unnoticed. If you don’t catch unusual activity quickly, not only might it continue but you might not be able to get the problem fixed. It’s your responsibility to quickly report any fraudulent charges on your account. Reporting them six months later probably won’t cut it.

4. You give out your credit card information too readily online or over the phone.

If you’re prone to giving in to flashy advertisements like direct email marketing campaigns, you might inadvertently give your credit card information out to credit card thieves rather than a legitimate business. Email and websites designed to trick you into giving your credit card information (sometimes by mimicking other businesses) are known as phishing attempts. Learn how to identify phishing emails so you can keep your credit card information safe.

There’s only so much your credit card company and merchants can do to protect you from credit card fraud. It all starts with you and how you treat your credit card information. If you give it out to unscrupulous types, don’t go crying to your credit card company like the unauthorised charges are their fault. Also review your credit card terms carefully. While you might generally not be held responsible for those fraudulent charges, those policies could be null and void if the fraud is a result of your negligence. Protect your credit card information as though your financial future depends on it. It does.