Also see our Card Resources Page for Tips and Articles

How do I avoid credit card fraud   [view]
How do I get a copy of my credit report   [view]
How do I get credit counseling   [view]
What to do if I'm turned Down   [view]

How to avoid credit card fraud

Guarding Against Fraud - here are some tips to help protect yourself from credit and charge card fraud.

Do:

  • Sign your cards as soon as they arrive.
  • Carry your cards separately from your wallet, in a zippered compartment, a business card holder, or another small pouch.
  • Keep a record of your account numbers, their expiration dates, and the phone number and address of each company in a secure place.
  • Keep an eye on your card during the transaction, and get it back as quickly as possible.
  • Void incorrect receipts.
  • Destroy carbons.
  • Save receipts to compare with billing statements.
  • Open bills promptly and reconcile accounts monthly, just as you would your checking account.
  • Report any questionable charges promptly and in writing to the card issuer.
  • Notify card companies in advance of a change in address.

Don't:

  • Lend your card(s) to anyone.
  • Leave cards or receipts lying around.
  • Sign a blank receipt. When you sign a receipt, draw a line through any blank spaces above the total.
  • Write your account number on a postcard or the outside of an envelope.
  • Give out your account number over the phone unless you're making the call to a company you know is reputable. If you have questions about a company, check it out with your local consumer protection office or Better Business Bureau.

How do I get a copy of my credit report

Check your credit reports at least once a year for errors. Correct any errors immediately. Consumers in CO, GA, MA, MD, NJ, and VT are entitled to one free report per bureau per year; consumers in other states may have to pay up to $8 per report. To receive copies:

Equifax 1-800-685-1111 http://www.equifax.com
Experian 1-888-397-3742 http://www.experian.com
TransUnion 1-800-888-4213 http://www.transunion.com

How do I get credit counseling?

To locate a free or low-cost credit counseling agency near you call 1-800-388-2227 or visit www.nfcc.org.
For one-on-one counseling over the phone, call 1-800-680-DEBT, or visit www.myvesta.org on the Internet.

If You're Turned Down

Remember, your gender or race may not be used to discourage you from applying for a loan. And creditors may not hold up or otherwise delay your application on those grounds. Under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, you must be notified within 30 days after your application has been completed whether your loan has been approved or not. If credit is denied, this notice must be in writing, and it must explain the specific reasons that you were denied credit or tell you of your right to ask for an explanation. You have the same rights if an account you have had is closed.

If you are denied credit, be sure to find out why. Remember, you may have to ask the creditors for this explanation. It may be that the creditor thinks you have requested more money than you can repay on your income. It may be that you have not been employed or lived long enough in the community. You can discuss terms with the creditor and ways to improve your creditworthiness. The next section explains how to improve your ability to get credit.

If you think you have been discriminated against, cite the law to the creditor. If the creditor still says no without a satisfactory explanation, you may contact a federal enforcement agency for assistance (the federal agency you should contact should be included in the notice you receive from the creditor), or you may bring legal action, as described in the Filing A Credit Complaint section of this handbook.