Keep an eye out for small charges on your credit card

[MightyGiants]

I had one for $1.78 at a restaurant in Missouri.   I called the credit card company and they said my card has been comprised and they issued a new one with a new number.  I Googled it after I talked to them.

Apparently, criminals get your card number and then make a small charge to see if you notice.  If it goes through then they either go on a shopping spree themselves or they sell the card.

[Bill Brown]

I look at my credit card account every day. Also my banking accounts. In this day and age it pays to be vigilant.

Bill

[DaveBrown74]

This is very good advice.

I used to have a bad habit of going over my credit card bill and basically quickly glossing over anything under the $40-$50 level or so. One time, I actually found something fishy that was ultimately claimed to be an error by the vendor when I was looking more closely for something else. The whole explanation felt somewhat suspicious to me, and I got a new card. I now spend a good 20-30 minutes or so on my Amex bill every month. I have found other "errors" since then. Somehow these "honest mistakes" never seem to be in your favor.

I think there are all kinds of scams out there. A relative of a good friend of mine who worked in a restaurant at one point several years ago told there were all kinds of shenanigans going on with bar tabs with tipsy patrons and what not.

It's a pain, but you really need to watch your back and go over things line by line when it comes to your money, or you're going to get ripped off eventually. And sometimes getting ripped off can lead to catastrophic situations.

[Ed Vette]

Go online and set up notifications for all credit card purchases and bank debits and credits by text message. I've found that fraud often happens late in the night or after midnight.

[DaveBrown74]

Go online and set up notifications for all credit card purchases and bank debits and credits by text message. I've found that fraud often happens late in the night or after midnight.

Another good tip.

Thanks.