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Credit card fraud
Credit has become the sweet succor of success to many con artists. It is perfect for their methods. Credit cards are accepted at many businesses without requiring a form of ID. Much of the time cashiers don't even check for a signature on the back of the card. Plus there are many businesses that don't require a signature on the receipts for purchases made. These are often fast food restaurants, and grocery stores where speed in getting the customer in and out of the store is most important. A con artist can charge up hundreds of dollars to an individual's account or get away with unpaid for merchandise at cost to the business and often the crime won't be discovered for weeks.
Con artists can easily obtain fake credit cards, create their own 'cloned' credit cards using information that is stolen from the magnetic strip of other real cards and they can get their hands on real credit cards by intercepting them in the mail or slipping them out of a wallet, or buying them on the black market. Many businesses require people to provide two forms of identification when applying for loans or making large purchases and they will accept credit cards as one of these forms of identification.
Tips to Avoid Credit Card Scams:
Always sign the backs of credit cards.
Create a pin number that no one else will know and don't write it down.
Also never give out the pin number, especially to anyone on the phone or businesses. They are not allowed to request that piece of information.
Make it a habit to look over credit card statements and verify each charge.
If the card is lost or stolen always call the company as soon as possible to report it.
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When waiting on a new credit card be aware of when it should arrive by mail and keep an eye out for it. If it doesn't arrive call the company and find out what happened.
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