Beyond Identity Theft - Credit Card Fraud Gets Smarter

Throughout the country, a new breed of tech savvy identity thieves are popping up. After stealing credit card numbers, computer hackers can take inexpensive equipment to re-magnetize their personal cards with the victim’s information. They can then rack up large bills before consumers even know what happened.

This can spell big trouble for the major retailers, but even bigger trouble for consumers. The editor of PictureCredit.com, a leading Free Credit Report website that offers information on credit and identity theft, has outlined 8 ways for consumers to protect themselves from this, and other, identity theft scams.

"The criminals are always getting smarter and we, as the consumers, need to be aware of the newest scams." Says PictureCredit.com editor, Andrew Olson. "It gets especially difficult when consumers can’t see any evidence that they have been victimized – as in these cases."

What steps can consumers take to protect themselves from these types of things? PictureCredit.com has listed 8 tips to protect consumers’ identities, which is located on their website: PictureCredit – Identity Theft Tips . Below are several of their tips:

8. Monitor Your Credit Card Statements
In the event that your information has been stolen without your knowledge, one of the best ways to protect yourself in to constantly monitor your credit card statements. Many credit card companies offer online access to your account, where the charges are updated instantly; this is a quick and easy way to stay on top of fraud

7. Shred Sensitive Documents
Although not immensely prevalent in this day and age, it’s still a good practice to destroy all documents containing sensitive information that thieves may be able to use to steal your identity. You don’t need papers with your credit card information floating around. Also, most credit card companies offer paperless updates and statements, so there’s no paper copy of your transactions everything is emailed instead.

6. Stay Alert
Just reading articles like this and informing yourself on current credit scams is one of the best ways to protect yourself. In this case, knowledge really is power. Spend an hour or so each week keeping up on credit news and you’ll be far ahead of the game.

For the entire list, and more ways to protect your identity, visit PictureCredit.com’s article 8 Steps to Prevent Identity Theft here at their: Credit Report and Score website.