7 Tips St Louis Mortgage Consumers Should Understand To Avoid Credit And Debit Card Scam

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

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

Most people have never heard of the word "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 pointing out that credit and debt card skimming is now getting to be an epidemic while becoming more newsworthy due to recent skimming incidents like those at Bank of America.

Retails stores that accept credit and debit cards such as cafes, bars, gas stations and ATMs are turning out to be more susceptible targets for skimming.

All a thief has to do is get hold of your credit or debt card, read it through a small hand held electronic equipment and in seconds has all your financial information that is stored on your card.

Criminals are also aiming at ATMs now. By using cameras or watching 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 particulars private and safe:

1. Do not forget to always keep your bank or credit card company updated on your personal details as you will need this to dispute deceitful charges.

2. While you are thinking about it, go and write down all customer service contact numbers found on the rear of your cards and keep this list in a protected place. Oh, and examine 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 represent that it is not working or may be a criminal clone trying to steal your information.

4. Another point that most consumers forget about is notifying your credit card company when you go on travel and the destination of your travels. They can decline any dubious 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 perhaps want your cash or are wanting to watch you type your PIN number. If you at any time lose your card in a machine, just leave. It may be best to graciously turn down assistance from someone who may have been noticing you. You can always call your bank and get a new card.

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

Another good piece of advice that was mentioned above is to check your balance on a periodic basis when your statement comes.

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

St Louis finance analysts advice always notify your bank or credit card company within two days of misplacing your cards. This may help limit your losses to $50. The worst thing you can do is postpone this needed phone call. You may end up putting up with greater financial losses by waiting.

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