Adulting: How to avoid credit card fraud
This is the second in a series we’re calling “Adulting,” about those responsibility-building moments of life. The series is sponsored by Sharonview Federal Credit Union. Check out the first one about renting vs. buying here.
The good news: There is only one you.
The bad news: Fraudsters would also like to be you (and who wouldn’t?!?).
In this busy season of surfing, shopping and checking your cart for any missing items, protecting yourself against card-related fraud should be just as important as free, two-day shipping. These simple steps will help prevent the bad guys (not you) from stealing the good guys’ (you) information and making a mess of your financial life.
Keep it secure
Nothing says holiday shopping like a cozy corner booth and a latte as big as your head. No matter where or how you shop online, check to see that the URL begins with https:// and that a lock icon appears to the left of the web address. Those both signify a secure network connection. Bypassing these steps could lead to phishing or mean you are working on an unsecured site.
What’s the password?
If you gave my dog enough time, even she would figure out the password “password.” If “MyComputer1” is as far as your creativity goes, we suggest the website 1Password to randomly generate unique passwords. Better to go the extra step and use a solid, more difficult password than have my dog purchase her new holiday sweater using your account info (she has expensive tastes).
Monitor card use
Check your card usage as often as your text messages – ok, maybe not that much, but do pay attention. With account information available at the tap of an app, there’s no reason not to. Monitor transactions and report any suspected fraud immediately.
Download a mobile app such as CardNav by CO-OP, which allows consumers to set controls for card usage, receive real-time alerts when unapproved transactions occur and even temporarily disable their own cards.
Keep your personal information safe
We know you are a sharing person, and if you want the world to know you own the original Princess Diana Beanie Baby worth $40,000 we say go for it – but protect your personal info. Remember that reputable companies let you come to them rather than approaching you to gather information or take action. Just like your mom told you, don’t talk to strangers and certainly don’t open unknown email messages from them.
Protect your hardware
The next time your operating system wants to update and install more security software, don’t roll your eyes, click cancel and keep watching your Netflix marathon. Update those settings! Make sure you have the best security software products installed on all your devices and consider using antivirus protection and a firewall.
Had to take a recess from my House of Cards marathon to run to the grocery store. Binge watching Netflix requires fuel.
— Jared Fries (@jfreeze13) February 22, 2014
You’ve got enough to deal with after the holidays — like long return lines, packing up the decorations and seeing that your mom and sister start speaking again. Don’t add untangling card fraud to the list.
About our sponsor: Sharonview Credit Union is a not-for-profit organization that puts money back in its members’ pockets in the form of no or low fees, higher savings rates and lower loan rates. With offices on South Boulevard, Carmel Road and in Steele Creek, Sharonview offers several mortgage products. Take a run at their online mortgage calculator and get an idea of the numbers. Questions, give them a call or send an email.
This story was originally published December 15, 2015 at 3:20 PM.