Carelessness Can Cost You

Many Americans are concerned about someone stealing their credit card, check, or debit card numbers, but they may be ignoring one the easiest ways for thieves to gain access to financial information: receipts!

Disregarding receipts containing valuable information greatly increases the risk of credit and debit card fraud. Thieves can easily find receipts, with valid account numbers, in trash cans.

Here are some easy steps you can take to prevent thieves from stealing your financial information:

• Shred all preapproved credit offers, credit and debit card receipts, insurance forms, financial statements, and other paperwork containing personal and financial information.
• Check credit union statements and other financial statements monthly for discrepancies and order a credit report once a year to make sure no one else is using your personal information to obtain credit cards or services.
• Don't print your Social Security number on your checks and don't carry your Social Security card in your wallet.
• Be hesitant about giving personal or financial information over the telephone - make sure you know the caller and know how the information will be used.

Copyright 2008 Credit Union National Association Inc. Information subject to change without notice. For use with members of a single credit union. All other rights reserved.