It’s January. As you look through your latest credit card bill, you notice a charge you did not make. Then another charge, and another and another, all from companies you’ve never heard of.
You now realize you are the victim of credit card fraud. Someone somehow has gotten a hold of your credit card or credit card number and has had a very nice holiday on your dime. How can you prevent this from happening to you?
First, plan to use your Meadows Visa Credit Card. Our cards have many safeguards to protect against fraud. Should someone steal your card number while shopping, online or off, the Visa $0 Liability Policy* protects you 100% from fraudulent activity. You will only pay for your purchases.
But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t protect your credit card information. There is another common fraud out there you need to be wary of - identity theft. Identity theft is when someone steals your name, social security number, bank or credit card information to open new credit accounts in your name. Identity theft can take years to clear up and cost thousands of dollars.
Stay alert and keep these tips in mind while shopping this season and during the year to keep your good name and prevent the inconvenience and high-cost of credit card fraud and worse yet, identity theft.
AT THE MALL
With all the great sales signs, bell ringers, and Santa’s about the mall, it’s quite easy to get distracted while shopping. Pay attention when making a purchase. Be sure the sales clerk doesn’t swipe your card twice, and make sure you get your card back after every purchase. Never leave your purse or wallet unattended.
Carry only the cards you will need that day with you. Leave any other items with personal information, like your social security card, passport, or birth certificate, at home.
If you don’t already have one, while you’re at the mall invest in a gift for yourself - a shredder. Shredders are inexpensive and make destroying unneeded documents a snap. Shred anything that you no longer need to file that contains your credit union, bank or credit card account numbers.
ON THE INTERNET
We all love the convenience of shopping online in our pj’s and internet shopping is very safe, but you still need to be careful.
Shop only at reputable companies with names you already know. When checking out, verify that you are on a secure, encrypted page. Look for either a locked padlock or solid key at the bottom of your browser window.
Password protect your Visa Credit Card for an added layer of protection. Once your card is registered, when you are going through the check out at an online Verified by Visa merchant, an additional password screen will pop-up before your card is processed. This helps ensure you will be the only one making charges with your card.
Log in to your Meadows Visa credit card account each week to monitor transactions as they post. Check for the correct number of charges to your account, to be sure the dollar amounts are correct, and to be sure there are no unauthorized charges. You can manage your Meadows Visa credit card account by visiting our website at http://www.mcuonline.com/borrow/visa/index.jsp and clicking the “Manage Your Meadows Visa card” link. If you have trouble logging in, or do not remember your PIN access code, please contact Card Member Services toll-free at 1-877-875-8078.
Be wary of “phishing,” emails, a sophisticated scam. Here’s how it works. Would-be thieves send out thousands of emails appearing to be from well-know institutions like Citibank, eBay and PayPal. These emails ask the recipient to verify personal account information and are directed to a bogus website. The information you type in is gathered by thieves to create fraudulent credit or debit cards.
Whether it’s by email or by phone, never disclose personal information unless you initiated the contact.
WHAT TO DO IF YOUR CARD IS LOST OR STOLEN
Contact your credit or debit card provider immediately after you learn your card number was stolen. It’s a good idea to keep a list of your credit card numbers, expiration dates, and contact information in a secure place. You can then notify creditors quickly and won’t forget a card.
To report your Meadows Visa Card lost or stolen, call 1-877-875-8078.
PROTECT YOUR IDENTITY ALL YEAR LONG
Unfortunately, identity fraud is one of the escalating problems consumers face today.
And there’s a new law called the FACT Act (Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act) that helps consumers like your self understand credit rights, their credit reports, and fight identity theft.
This new law entitles you to receive your credit report free once a year. When you view your report, verify there are not any unauthorized accounts. Check the accuracy of the credit accounts listed and contact the creditors with any errors. Close any credit lines that you no longer use.
If you would like to view your report more than once a year, www.truecredit.com, a service from TransUnion, allows you to view and monitor your report.)
• Apply online today or call toll-free 1-877-875-8096
• Manage your current Meadows Visa Card
