We do not realise how important it is to keep our credit cards, chequebooks, and ATM cards secure and in a safe place until something happens! Just a couple of days ago, a friend travelling overseas left her purse in the washroom of a shopping mall. She realised immediately and went back to retrieve it and found her purse hidden behind the toilet, but missing were her credit card and iPhone; she did see a young woman come out as she went in, but it was too late. By the time she was able to report it, her credit card was charged for a whopping amount of USD 8000! This was how fast 'crooks' operate.  

I have highlighted 10 ways how to keep your credit card/cards secure:      

Never leave your cards unattended at work. There are more credit card thefts in the workplace than in any other single location.

If your credit card is programmed to access an ATM, protect your Personal Identification Number (PIN) or security code. Don't write it down, memorise it.

Don't leave your credit cards in your vehicle. A very high proportion of credit cards are stolen from motor vehicles.

Always check your card when returned to you after a purchase. Make sure it is your card.

When travelling, carry your cards with you all the time.

Report lost or stolen cards immediately. Most fraudulent uses of cards take place within hours of their being lost or stolen.

Sign the back of a new card as soon you get it. Destroy unwanted cards so no one else can use them.

Make a list of all your cards and their numbers. This key information is helpful when reporting lost or stolen cards.

Always check your monthly statement. Make sure the charges are yours. Report them to your card company if the entry is not yours.

Never give your card number over the phone unless you are dealing with a reputable company. The only time you should give it is when you have called to place an order.

Similarly your chequebooks should also be kept in a safe and secure place. Often we tend to leave them lying around the house. You would be surprised how cleverly signatures can be forged and how easily money can be taken out of your account. Make sure you check the transactions in your account often – you can take mini statements from the ATM, this way you will know that the transactions are genuine.

The number of tech-savvy crooks is on the rise, we need to be smarter to outsmart them!