10 Tips to Keep your Credit Card out of Thieves' Hands

Protect your identity and pocketbook, whether you are in-line or on-line

Angel Debt Solutions, a nationwide, credit counseling and education organization, reminds shoppers to be on guard. Rushing to complete a shopping wish list can have people giving out sensitive data, like credit card numbers and social security numbers, to unscrupulous hackers and identity thieves.

Technology today goes well beyond pick pocketing or stealing a purse. The Federal Trade Commission says Identity Theft occurs once every three seconds.

5 TIPS -KEEPING YOUR IDENTITY SAFE IN PUBLIC

1. Before you leave your house, take out the credit cards that you know you will not be using.
2. Copy the front and back information on your card, so you have contact information quickly, in case your card is stolen.
3. Do not carry your Social Security card with you. That number is vital in opening new credit accounts.
4. Watch where you leave your card when you shop. “Don’t leave your credit card on the counter with people around,” said Moore. “A quick screenshot or good memory can capture your name, card number and expiration date.”  A thief can then use that number instantly to buy goods online.
5. Keep your receipts in your purse or wallet, not in the bag.

5 TIPS –KEEPING YOUR IDENTITY SAFE ON-LINE

1. Always initiate the transaction yourself. Do not open a store’s website through a received email. Physically type in the web address and review carefully to make sure it is the actual store website.
2. When entering credit card information as part of transaction, make sure the web address starts with a secure extension, shown as https://.
3.  If you shop online in a public location, like at a library, make sure you log out and click the “back” button, when you are finished with a shopping session.
4. Shopping at the coffee house? Use their approved, secure wi-fi server.
5. Keep your guard up while online. Be aware of pop-up windows and your online experience at all times. While entering data, keep distractions to a minimum.

Angel Debt Solutions offers face-to-face services in three states. The company also offers licensed services by phone or internet throughout the United States and certain provinces of Canada. For more information about Angel Debt Solutions, visit www.angelresourcenetwork.com or call 616-730-2164.