You already know how to spot obvious credit card fraud. Just review your monthly statements and call your credit card company if you find charges you don’t believe you authorised. But not all credit card fraud and identity theft is easy to spot.

Let’s take a look at two types of “hidden” credit card fraud so you know what to look for (and where to find evidence of it). read more..

Credit card fraud seems to be on the rise, and while CHIP cards are being brought in by most credit card providers in Australia to reduce the chances of EFTPOS and ATM skimming, it is still a risk.

One of the best steps to avoid becoming a victim of a skimming scam is to understand how skimming works, the implications for cardholders and signs that may indicate a skimming device is attached to a machine. read more..

Some consumers worry too much about credit card fraud and identity theft (such as avoiding all online shopping because they don’t understand Internet security or the fact that online transactions are really not that different than in-person ones;  their information ends up in someone’s computer system either way). Other consumers trust almost blindly. And that can make them easy targets for identity theft.

You can protect yourself and stop identity theft without being overly cautious and limiting your shopping options too drastically. But you do have to be proactive about protecting your credit card information. Are you making yourself an easy target for identity thieves? read more..

Natural disasters can bring out the best in people as we rush to aid people in our communities or other areas of the world. But the generosity also brings out the worst in some criminals. If you’re thinking about making a credit card or debit card donation to help others after a major disaster, please be careful and always know who your money is really going to. If you don’t pay attention your money might not end up in the hands of people who need it; it might go to crooks taking advantage of tough times.

Let’s look at why there might be an increased risk of credit card scams or theft attempts after big disasters in the news, and specific ways these scammers might reach out to you so you can be better prepared. read more..

If you like completing any of your holiday shopping online, make sure you’re aware of the risks of phishing attempts so you don’t become a victim of credit card fraud. With more people shopping and looking for hot deals at this time of year, consumers might not be as sceptical as they would otherwise be when it comes to clicking links in emails.

Let’s have a quick refresher on what phishing attempts are and what you can do to keep your credit card information and other personal information safer while you finish your holiday shopping online. read more..