Precautions
● Some types of credit card crimes, such as the theft of numbers by bank or store employees, can't be prevented by consumers. But others can be stymied. Here are some tips offered by consumer advocates and card issuers:
l Never discard a credit card receipt in a public trash container.
● If making a purchase with a card over the phone, make sure no one can overhear you say the numbers.
l When making purchases over the Internet, try to be sure the merchant is reputable by contacting the Better Business Bureau or state and local agencies.
● Keep records by printing out details about online purchases.
● Be wary of e-mail or phone requests asking for personal information, no matter how official they look or sound.