In today's Bee, we look at the pernicious problem of cyber-pickpockets who steal debit and credit card numbers from the computer systems of banks, businesses, restaurants and retailers. Or we can unwittingly give out our financial data to crooks when shopping or chatting online.
How to protect yourself? Here are additional tips:
Check your statements
"Unfortunately consumers' hands are tied and cannot truly protect their credit card information," said Robert Siciliano, a Boston-based security expert for McAfee. His best advice: Be diligent about regularly checking your credit card and banking statements for phony charges.
If you do online bill-paying, you can check your credit card or bank statements weekly, even daily. If you're not online, be sure to check your monthly statement when it arrives in the mail.
"I recommend doing so online," said Siciliano. "Mobile phone apps offered by your credit card companies make it even easier."
Report fraud fast
If you spot a suspicious charge or something you don't recognize, report it immediately to your card issuer. There's a phone number listed on your bill.
Even if it's a small amount, say $2 or such, flag it. Cyber-thieves are known to "test drive" a stolen card number by running small charges to see if anyone notices.
Generally, if it's fraud due to a stolen account number and you report it within 60 days, you are not responsible for any fraudulent charges.
(It's slightly different if your physical credit or debit card is lost or stolen. In that case, you could be held responsible for the first $50 in charges, as long as you report the loss or theft promptly.)
If you try to use your plastic and the transaction is denied, it could be due to fraud. If that happens, don't delay in contacting your card issuer to find out what's wrong.
Guard your cards
Avoid letting your credit card out of your sight. Choose ATMs in well-lighted, very public spaces, such as bank lobbies. When using an ATM machine, look for suspicious attachments or unusual wear/tear. Shield your screen when typing in your PIN number. If you feel someone is too close or watching you, walk away and find an ATM machine somewhere else.
Keep a list
Have a list - in a safe spot - of all your cards, the account numbers and expiration dates, and each company's 24-hour reporting line, in case of fraud or a stolen/lost card.
Track credit history
It's also smart to keep track of your credit reports, just to be sure no one is fraudulently opening accounts in your name. By federal law, every consumer is entitled to one free copy - every year - from each of the three credit reporting bureaus: Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. You can order your credit reports directly by phone (877-322-8228) or online from AnnualCreditReport.com.
"Think before you click"
By disclosing account information on bogus websites or responding to urgent appeals in emails or on social media, we can be vulnerable, said Brian Burch, VP of Consumer and Small Business Marketing with Symantec, a Mountain View-based computer security firm.
"It's essential that people learn to spot the telltale signs of social engineering tricks," he said, such as undue pressure or a false sense of urgency ("Reply now!"), an offer that appears too good to be true, and bogus "officialese" intended to make to make something look authentic.
Consumers should avoid pirated software and "marginal websites," particularly those with adult content. Do not install unsolicited plug-ins if prompted to do so, even on legitimate websites. Links in emails and social media messages should always be viewed skeptically, even if sent from someone you know.