Picture this scenario, you apply for a credit card and the application is approved. Your credit card arrives in the mail along with documents enlightening you about how to use your ‘new money’. The do’s and don’t list instructs you to sign the back of your credit card as soon as you get it.
So what is the problem, you ask?
Well, recently there have been many questions regarding signing at the back of your credit card. So this article aims to address the question, how great is the liability for signing a credit card?
Critics have pointed out that if your credit card is stolen, then the thief will have a copy of your signature and can duplicate it for the purpose of misusing your credit card.
On the other end of the spectrum, major credit card companies like Visa, Master Card and American Express have rules that forbid merchants from accepting credit cards that do not have a suitable signature at the back.
Visa explicitly states that a merchant may not finish a deal until and unless a credit card is properly signed.
So what should you do? Since you must sign your credit card and the liability for signing a credit card is totally on you, you need to guard yourself against credit card fraud. Below are a few tips that can help you protect yourself.
1. You should never ever give your credit card number to any one else, especially to people who call you on the phone. If the person who is calling pretends to be from a company that you do business with or from the card company itself, tell them that you will call them later on the number that you have for the company.
This way you will know whether the person is a fraud or not. If you feel that you are being defrauded you should contact your card company immediately.
2. The same principle applies for any e-mail that you receive that asks you to click a link or give out your card number. You must never do so. If you know the company, type out the url in a separate window to check the validity of the site.
3. A good idea is to keep a separate card with a low credit limit for online purchasing purposes. Alternately, you must use a credit card company that will offer one occasion authentication numbers. This way, even if your card security is breached, the losses will be limited only by the amount that is available on the card.
4. Attempt to settle your credit card bill every month. Scrutinize all the items properly. If you find any items without any receipts or items that you do not recognize, get in touch with your credit card issuing company. It can be a billing mistake or it can be a fraud. It is better to be safe than sorry.
5. If there is an option available, it is advisable that you register all your credit cards with a credit card registration service. You should note down all your credit card numbers, the date of expiry for each of them and any other details that are available and preserve them in a safe place. In the unlikely event that any of your cards are stolen, then you will not be at your wits end trying to lodge a complaint.
Since there is no option for you other than signing your credit card, and with that taking the liability for signing the credit card, then it is safer for you to follow the above security guidelines to defend yourself from credit card fraud.
