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if you need to obtain credit in the
future.
How does identity theft work?
Thieves use a variety of tactics to
access your personal information.
They may pose as someone with
a legitimate need to gain access
to financial data. Or the criminal
could be a roommate, a worker
in your home, or a friend who can
easily get his or her hands on your
documents. Identity thieves may
even resort to rummaging through
trash for pieces of non-shredded
personal information, a tactic
known as “Dumpster diving.” Data
breaches are another way your
information may become exposed.
Tips to avoid Identity theft
There are a few basic practices
you should follow to increase your
card safety.
Monitor your credit card and
account statements online on a
weekly basis.
Report lost or stolen cards
immediately and cancel all inactive
accounts. When using your card
at checkout, do not volunteer any
personal information.
If you’ve applied for a new card
and don’t receive it in a timely
manner, or if a replacement card
is not received prior to your card’s
expiration date, contact your
financial institution immediately.
Be sure to sign new cards upon
receipt, too.
Shred sensitive documents before
disposing of them
Install anti-virus and anti-spyware
software on all computers, and
change your passwords regularly
Cancel all inactive accounts
Review
statements
for
unauthorized or unusual activity
Try to resolve issues with the
merchant first; if unsuccessful,
contact your financial institution
MAIL & PHONE FRAUDS
What are common mail and
phone frauds?
Identity thieves may send official-
looking letters and pose as
representatives from Visa or
financial institutions. If you’re asked
to provide your account number
or other personal information in
a reply envelope or by dialing a
number, it could be fraud at work.
How do phone and mail fraud
scams work?
Mail and phone frauds can take the
form of get-rich-quick schemes,
fake charity solicitations, requests
for shipping expenses to send a
prize, and many other variations
in which the victim sends money
and receives nothing. Identity
thieves may also ask victims to
provide account numbers or other
personal information in a reply
envelope or on the phone
Tips to avoid mail and phone
fraud
Consumers should not respond
to any e-mails or phone calls with
requests for any personal card
information and are advised to
immediately report the situation to
their financial institution that issued
their card by calling the number on
the back of the card.
You should never give out
account or personal information
over the phone or in response to
a mailing unless you initiated the
communication yourself or have
positively verified the source.
Notify your financial institution if
you change your address
On the phone, don’t be afraid to
ask questions, including asking
for a number to call back. Get
details—If the caller can’t answer,
it’s not legitimate
Don’t feel obligated to provide
card numbers by phone
Did you know your cards
have
a
multi-layered
protection?
3-Digit Security Code
This code
on the back of a Visa card confirms
that the card is in a cardholder’s
physical possession for online and
phone purchases.
VerifiedbyVisa
ActivatingVerified
by Visa gives online transactions
an extra layer of protection by
allowing cardholders to select a
personal password that confirms
their identity at the checkout of
participating merchants.