Many Americans are concerned about someone stealing their credit card, check, or debit card numbers, but they may be ignoring one easy way thieves can access financial accounts: receipts. Disregarding receipts that have valuable information greatly increases the risk of credit and debit card fraud. That kind of carelessness can cost you. Thieves easily can find receipts with valid account numbers in trash cans. Some easy steps you can take to prevent thieves from stealing your financial information.
Always Shred
Shred anything with personal information. Practicing carelessness can cost you when it comes to shredding documents. This includes preapproved credit offers, credit and debit card receipts, insurance forms, financial statements, and other paperwork containing personal and financial information.
Check Your Statements
Check credit union statements and other financial statements monthly. Look for discrepancies and order a credit report once a year. This will help you make sure no one else is using your personal information to obtain credit cards or services.
Protect Your Social Security Number
Don’t print your Social Security number on your checks and don’t carry your Social Security card in your wallet and be hesitant about giving personal or financial information over the telephone. Make sure you know the caller and know how the information will be used.
Want more information about how to protect yourself? Check out our other Fraud Protection articles or visit our website.
