Checks Out At Check Out

More than half of consumers in the US don’t have a clue about how to use their credit cards correctly. Some even take advantage of these people by scamming them out of their money. There are so many ways to make sure you don't fall victim to this scheme – here are ten simple rules that will help you avoid being a victim!

If you're aware and proactive about your spending habits, then you'll be just fine, but if not, then we're doing our part to help teach people on the right path. So read below and make sure that your next trip doesn't end up costing more than it should have...

1. Don't Leave Your Driver's License at Home

Used to be that you were advised against leaving your driver's license at home – even though you would be much safer without it. You would have a better chance of being robbed in a hotel room, but now that the majority of credit card scams are taking place online, the need for an ID is way more urgent than it used to be.

If someone can't steal or forge your card (or buy it from someone who has the means to do so), they can't spend money on you.

2. Always Sign Your Card Statements

Spoiler alert – they're lying! If you have an unpaid item on your statement, and a merchant refuses to accept your signature, then that's definitely a red flag. They know that you'll probably rack up a bunch of fees over time, and this is their way of forcing you to pay them in full (and good riddance!). Why will the merchant sign it? To avoid annoying calls from your bank.

If you're getting calls about a fraudulent purchase, then you should be just fine. Just make sure that you have a legit receipt as well to prove that the merchant still has your card. If they don't, then you might be out of luck – and several hundred dollars poorer!

3. Pay Attention to Your Billing Cycle

Many people are still unaware of this one – despite the fact that it's been covered by plenty of well-known publications. Why is it important? Because you can catch any fraudulent charges from just a few days prior to the date you realize that something is wrong.

If you pay your bills on time, then there's nothing more you should have to worry about. And if you pay online with a credit card, then there are even less things that can go wrong! That's because you can scam a bunch of merchants out of money without ever leaving your home! Just make sure that someone doesn't take advantage of your good behavior and inflict some damage on yourself.

4. Beware of Scams in Your Mail

Yes, you read that correctly. There have been people who claim that they received checks in the mail that they had to cash over the phone or provide some sort of banking information to. Once you've done so, then your bank account will be empty (or at least close to it). And if you're foolish enough to give your bank card number over the phone, then you might as well start driving to the nearest ATM – because it's going to be a long walk back home.

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Conclusion:

- Don't trust anyone who wants your personal or banking information over the phone. Even if they claim to be from your bank, there's no way you'll ever know for sure. Why? If someone is willing to lie to you about who they are on the phone, then what other lies could they tell you in person?

- Be sure to report any strange charges on your bill. For example, if you didn't make a purchase, then there's a good chance that it was stolen from you, or someone used your card before you could cancel it.

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