7 Points St Louis Mortgage Customers Must Be Aware To Stop Credit And Debit Card Scam


St Louis mortgage consumers are constantly bombarded with safety tips on how to safeguard the use of our credit cards and now we use debit cards when we make transactions in person, on the phone or the web.

However, one may be caught totally off guard to know that identity theft can arise to you even when you still hold your credit card or debt card in your control.

Most people have never heard of the term "skimming." This new wave of criminal offense utilizes modern technological advances where a thief can much more easily steal your credit card information.

St Louis finance experts are claiming that credit and debt card skimming is now becoming an epidemic while becoming more newsworthy because of recent skimming incidents like those at Bank of America.

Retails stores that take credit and debit cards such as cafes, bars, gas stations and ATMs are becoming more susceptible targets for skimming.

All a criminal has to do is get hold of your credit or debt card, scan it through a small hand held electronic device and in seconds has all your financial details that is stored on your card.

Criminals are also going for ATMs now. By using cameras or observing you as you key in your 4 digit pin code, these brutal white collar thieves can now drain your bank.

So, here are 7 tips to help keep your financial details private and safe:

1. Do not forget to always keep your bank or credit card company updated on your personal information as you will need this to claim fraudulent charges.

2. While you are considering it, go and write down all customer service contact numbers found on the backside of your cards and keep this list in a secured place. Oh, and look at your monthly bank statement thoroughly.

3. If an ATM is in bad shape or run down, walk, better yet run away! A sign of a dirty machine may mean that it is not working or may be a criminal clone wanting to steal your information.

4. Another point that most consumers forget about is informing your credit card company when you go on holiday and the destination of your trips. They can decline any suspicious charges much faster when they have this details.

5. If you notice that the front of an ATM machine looks damaged or loose, this may be an indication that someone has attached a skimming device.

6. If there are suspicious persons casing the ATM, they possibly want your cash or are wanting to notice you type your PIN number. If you at any time lose your card in a machine, just leave. It may be best to decently turn down assistance from someone who may have been watching you. You can always call your bank and obtain a new card.

7. Cover the pin pad with your other hand when keying in your PIN number.

Another good piece of suggestion that was mentioned above is to verify your balance on a periodic basis when your statement arrives.

For those who use their debit cards more frequently should also know that the laws protecting credit card holders do not apply to debit card purchases. So, you are more secure using a credit card.

St Louis finance analysts suggest always notify your bank or credit card firm within two days of misplacing your cards. This may help control your losses to $50. The worst thing you can do is delay this needed phone call. You may end up suffering greater monetary losses by waiting.

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