Credit Card Fraud

Each year consumers lose billions of dollars as a result of credit card fraud. By taking some simple precautions you can protect yourself from becoming a victim.

  • Sign new cards when they arrive in the mail.
  • Destroy old credit cards.
  • Close out accounts you don't use on a regular basis.
  • Keep your cards in a safe place.
  • Shred anything with your card number printed on it.
  • Save credit card receipts to verify charges on your billing statement.
  • Know when your billing statements should arrive. If you don't receive your statement, contact the card issuer immediately!
  • Don't give anyone your credit card number over the telephone unless YOU initiated the call.
  • Don't use an obvious personal identification number (PIN) number.
  • Memorize your PIN.
  • Request a copy of your credit report every few years.

If you have become a victim of credit card fraud you should:

  • Contact the card issuer as soon as possible.
  • Send written confirmation of the "unauthorized charges" to the card issuer.
  • Pay the undisputed charges.

For more information visit the Fraud Information Center at:

If you have further questions or would like to learn more about credit, contact Consumer Credit Counseling Service of West Florida

We're a nonprofit organization offering debt management and educational programs helping financially distressed families and individuals effectively manage their finances.