CRIME SCENE - Credit card companies protect their customers by Ken Kleinlein

Credit card investigators protect card holders.

A week ago my wife Kathy purchased three airline tickets for future trips we are planning. She used her Visa credit card.

The purchases were approved and she received confirmation numbers from the airlines.

Within one hour she received a telephone message from Visa requesting that she contact one of their investigators as soon as possible at a phone number provided.

She called the number and was informed that there were large charges recently put on her card, and before those charges were added to her account, Visa needed to verify that she actually incurred the purchase of the tickets in question. They went on to explain that they were always on alert for possible illegal use of customer credit cards by persons engaged in identity theft larcenies.

She confirmed that she had in fact made the purchases and thanked Visa for their diligence.

This type of standard investigation on the part of credit card companies in their efforts to protect customers from criminal activity, should go a long way to alleviate fears consumers may have about possible illegal use of their cards. It certainly did for us and I personally know that the many credit card investigators are former federal, state, and local law enforcement officers, and reports of possible fraud will be in experienced hands should problems develop.

Here are some things you can do to protect your credit cards:

• Do not sign your card when you receive it. Write see ID on the signature line.
• When disposing of an old card shred or cut it into pieces.
• Do not put your account number on an envelope.
• Don't lend your card to anyone.
• Destroy carbons and incorrect receipts.
• Never sign a blank receipt.
• Compare all your receipts to your monthly statement.
• When using an ATM do not leave any receipts behind.
• Memorize your PIN number, do not carry it with you.
• Don't give out your account number unless you initiated the call or are sure you know who you are speaking to.
• When you give your card to a service person to pay a bill, check the card when it is returned to be sure it is yours.
  

Take time to follow these simple rules and you could save yourself time, money, and stress!

Law Enforcement has lost a good man:

Lt. Mike Treanor of the Venice Police Department stood his last roll call recently after a long heroic battle with illness. He was admired by those he served with in his distinguished 22 year career with the VPD. He will be sorely missed by family, peers, friends, and those who came to know him.

Take care, be careful, and I'll see you at the next CRIME SCENE.

God bless and protect our military!

Ken Kleinlein is a former Detective with the NYPD Special Frauds Squad, now working as a frauds and crime consultant/information specialist, and coordinating with the Sarasota and Charlotte County Sheriff 's Offices, along with federal, state, and local law enforcement on matters of crime prevention and public safety.

Ken Kleinlein - Crime Scene