Even Secure Credit Card Application Can Lead to Fraud

When you finally receive a credit card of your dream, you cannot think of anything else but how the ways of managing your personal finances will change. You will have enough time to enjoy all the rewards and bonuses, but before think about security of your credit card information as well as your personal information. Especially if you use internet banking.

It goes without saying that card issuers do care about information security. But you need to watch out as well! Whether you use internet to shop online or you simply go to a next door supermarket. Till recently I was very skeptical about internet credit card fraudsters and was very sorry to find out that I was mistaken.

Well, closer to the point. Not so long ago my credit card information was stolen by hackers. I found myself in a very silly situation especially as I thought I am a skilled internet user. When later I reported about the credit card fraud to my bank I learned how exactly that happened. The whole idea of phishing (this is how this type of online scam is called) is to steal credit card information that is card number and PIN. And then sell it on the black credit card market.

I researched the topic myself and found out that phishing is a business. It is not just a hacker or two, but it is a structured and well managed system. It was estimated that in 2005 losses from phishing were $2 billion. And they are increasing with each year.

Now I can say that everyone should try to prevent phishing attempts themselves. How can you prevent yourself being a victim phishing? The key is to be suspicious of all e-mails you get even if they seem to come from trusted sources. Remember, that even if your bank decides to contact you by e-mail, they will never ask you to confirm your password, or PIN, or card number. Here are four rules that you may follow to ensure security of your credit card deal.

1. Among loads of letters how can you spot a phishing e-mail? Well, the way Internet e-mailing works makes it practically impossible to recognize a fraudulent e-mail. The address in the "From" field is not a guarantee that it came from a person or company it says it did.

2. Who is the e-mail for? Fraudsters would never know your real name, so they would address you something like "Dear Valued Customer".

3. Take a closer look at the e-mail - does it look suspicious? The letter may contain strange spelling or capitals. For example "important Security Informat10n from Bank". This is done to get through spam filters.

4. Where does the hyperlink go to? If a letter has a hyperlink offering you to log on to your bank account never do that. It is possible to disguise a link's destination. And finally you can find yourself on a fraudulent web-site. If you want to log on to your bank account type in the address yourself.

Unfortunately no one can guarantee you absolute security. No matter how reliable you credit card application was. If you receive a suspicious letter report a scam email address to your credit card issuer. Following these simple rules may help you to keep credit card information safe.

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