Identity Theft Prevention

Merchant Processing Consulting & Training exists to reduce credit card processing expenses for merchants.

Identity Theft and the resulting fraud costs Billions of dollars each year.

Here are some tips to help consumers.

1. SIGN THE BACK OF YOUR CREDIT CARD: You promised your credit card issuer when you applied for your card that you would follow the rules of your issuer. The card states clearly on the back that it is not valid unless it is signed. Writing variations of "check ID", "see ID" or "CID" is NOT signing your card. When you sign your card, you are protected against loss over $50. If John Q Public drops his card, Bob Smith can pick up, sign John's name and will not be asked for ID since Bank Card rules tell merchants they MAY NOT request ID if signature on receipt matches signature on the card.

2. When your card is imprinted DO NOT ALLOW your address or security code to be written on that imprint. Companies that want to add this information are companies that sell door to door or companies at trade shows and flea markets. These companies need the information when keying credit card numbers to avoid higher fees. However; Bank Card Rules SPECIFICALLY PROHIBIT recording of these numbers. There are two solutions for those businesses...either buy wireless terminals for processing or get a phone line and use a standard terminal.

3. Avoid letting card out of your sight. Many nicer restaurants are starting to purchase wireless terminals to process the cards RIGHT AT the table.

4. Watch for "skimmers". Skimmers are hand-held devices that record the information on the magnetic strip. If you are using your credit card and you observe it being swiped more than once or seemingly in two different places, ask for a store manager IMMEDIATELY. If you remain concerned as you leave store call the number on back of your credit card immediately to ask your issuer to watch your number.

5. Watch for foreign devices on ATM Machines. When using an ATM you are concerned about, remember location and owner of machine (whether bank or privately owned).

6. Destroy ANYTHING with card numbers, personal information, name or address before you throw away. Cross-cut shredders are the best. If you do not have a shredder; try ripping up the items, placing in a small waterproof container and covering items with water, pop or other fluid to remove the type and then adding food waste to the pulpy remains. Be creative, but make the information unreadable.

7. Create a list of your credit card issuers and phone numbers to carry with you, program into cell phone and email yourself a copy so you can access on any computer. If cards are stolen or compromised, call immediately and report.

8. If you do not plan on asking for credit, contact credit bureaus and put blocks on credit requests.

9. Check for bank records online often and go over EVERY credit card statement each month.

 To suggest OTHER items, please contact me at billpirtle@yahoo.com.