The ease of paying with a credit
card has made our lives much simpler, especially with the
holiday shopping sprees. Our wallets fatten with receipts, and
tracking our expenses is made easier and more precise.
On a day-to-day basis, how many
times do you swipe your plastic? Twice? More than five times?
Now here’s something to consider. How often do you actually
give your credit card to a complete stranger and let them just
walk away with it? Never is what you’d like to say. But is
that true? What about the last time you went out to eat at a
restaurant and paid with your card? Your card walked away from
you and with it, your account number and signature.
Smithfield Police Department has
some advice for you. The internet makes the use of credit cards
very impersonal and places you at risk, even if your actual card
is never stolen…so protect yourself.
We advise that you use cash to pay
your bill at the restaurant. If you do not have cash, walk with
your server to the register. They will understand. Don’t feel
you’re putting them out. Their tip rides on your satisfaction
as a customer. Besides, it’s your card!
Guard yourself and keep your card
within your control. For tips on protecting yourself from
fraud, visit:
www.bankrate.com/brm/news/cc/20020612a.asp
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