Protecting Yourself from Credit Card Fraud

With the rise of credit card fraud and the publicity surrounding the  this past December, police detectives are offering tips on how to avoid being the victim of fraud.

Police routinely receive reports of credit card fraud. These reports range from stolen mail to credit card skimmers, which are devices that capture credit card account numbers and other personal information from a card's magnetic strip.

South Pasadena Sgt. Tony Abdalla said skimming artists often prey on gas stations.

"Most often, skimming devices are placed in gas stations on off hours," Sgt. Abdalla said. "We're out there actively looking."

Lee noted an incident a few months ago where witnesses spotted a suspect tampering with a credit card compartment on a gas pump at a Chevron station just a block away from the South Pasadena police station. Police stopped the suspect before he could capture credit card numbers from a skimmer he tried to install.

Lee also said credit cards are safer to use than debit cards.

"Credit cards have a lot more buyer protection," he said. "Criminals prefer debit cards, since they are connected to checking accounts and they are able to make cash withdrawals," he wrote in a recent crime newsletter.

Tips from Police Detectives:

• When using any ATM, look for any signs of tampering. Give the card reader a quick tug to see if a skimmer has been placed over it.
• Cover your hand when entering your PIN. Keep a watch for “shoulder surfers.”
• Notify your bank when you leave and return to the country.
• Review credit card statements on a regular basis.
• Shred any old credit cards, statements and receipts.
• Keep a record of your account numbers and bank contact phone number.
• Notify your bank immediately should you suspect any fraudulent charges.
• Check the authenticity of merchants before ordering online and be sure to use a secure web browser.
• Be careful with outgoing and incoming mail. Get a P.O. Box or a mailbox with a lock to protect your new credit or debit cards, bank statements and credit card statements. Do not put outgoing bills in your mailbox.
• Pay attention to billing cycles. Immediately call your bank or credit card company if you don't receive your bill.
• To avoid check fraud, guard your checkbook like cash, reconcile your statements and shred old or canceled checks. Also, never endorse a check until you are ready to deposit it.