Keep a written record of your credit card numbers and pin numbers with you at all times. Ensure you have multiple copies, inside your wallet, in another pocket other than your wallet, your suitcase, a safe, spare pants, or another purse. Before you think I'm nuts, the secret is to keep the information in code. Possible codes may be to add or subtract one digit or all the digits of the number. Example: if your pin number is 4690, write the code as 4691 or say 3589. (Use any code combination you can easily remember). Don't keep a copy of your code combination on the paper, only in your memory. Do the same with your credit card numbers, except only alter the last 4 or 8 digits, not the first 8 digits. The first 8 digits indicate the type of credit card, which can then be used to determine your code. The code combination idea can also allow you not to have the same pin number for every card reducing the risk of giving someone access to all your cards. Also include the toll free number to report the card stolen/lost next to the card number and pin if necessary.

        Increase your credit card security by not using your mother's maiden name as an identifier with the credit card company. Your name, birth date, and social security number, the typical means of identity verification, can typically be found on documents accessible to the public at your local courthouse. There is no law that states you have to use your mother's maiden name. If for example, you state your mother's maiden name to be "LiveLongandProsper", whose place is it to doubt you. The companies want you to use a name that is easy to remember, which can unfortunately also be easy for a unscrupulous individual to figure out.

        In the event your wallet or purse is stolen or lost, you can greatly minimize the confusion and stress associated with proving who you are when attempting to obtain replacement identification. Keep a photocopy (front and back) of charge cards, car registration, drivers license, social security card, health insurance, health records, a voided check and anything else in your wallet or purse. Keep the information in a safe place at home or in a safe deposit box. While out of town, leave unnecessary items in your purse or wallet at home to minimize the need to replace them if lost or stolen.

        A way to prevent the misuse of a credit card when stolen is to never leave the signature area on the back of the card blank because anyone can then sign your name in their handwriting to use your card. Another method is to sign the back of the credit card with a notation afterwards indicating CID, which is phonetic shorthand for See Identification. This way the store clerk is alerted to refer to a photo id to verify the identity of the cardholder. The idea will only work if the store clerk looks on the back of the card for a signature, which sometimes does not occur even though they are supposed to do so. Many store clerks don't even verify the signature on the card with the signature on the receipt. A point that constantly bothers me! When such a situation offers, bring it to the attention of a manager because many companies are highly concerned with the privacy and security of their customers. Don't put "See photo ID" in place of a signature because many companies don't consider the credit card as valid unless it is signed. Therefore, including CID after the signature is a way to improve your security and to ensure the validity for using the credit card. Lastly, always request and rip-up any carbon copies (although, carbons are almost never used anymore).

        Do not simply throwaway the pre-approved credit card applications or credit card checks you may receive in the mail, always shred them. Anyone could take the application out of the trash, fill in their information, and then receive a credit card in your name at their address. Shred the credit card checks because anyone could use the checks to make good use of your credit. The same also applies for expired credit cards. Shred them instead of throwing them away. The ramifications of not shredding the sensitive information can result in a large debt and delinquent payments on your credit report.

        Don't always discard your expired or cancelled credit cards. Instead, consider keeping a couple with you at all times, particularly when traveling. Keep the cards in a location other than your wallet or store them in a secondary/backup wallet. The reason is because if you are ever mugged, you can give the criminal what he/she wants...money or a credit card. Due to the confusion and the hurried scene, the criminal will not check the validity of the cards before leaving. You may be able to leave the scene without injury and loss of personal property.

        Cutting up a credit card does not necessarily prevent someone from using the card. As long as the card number is legible, then it can be used fraudulently. The solution to prevent misuse is to contact the credit card company requesting the card to be cancelled.


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