Andy Griffith
Seven Ways To Credit Card Death
Credit is much like any other tool (or weapon); in the right hands it can be an effective and beneficial tool, in the wrong hands it can cause destruction and misery. As a result, it is important to learn how to wield your credit with skill and finesse, not clumsily and unpredictably.
One of the best lessons we can learn, and the sooner the better, is who we should and should not hand over our credit cards or information to. The problem is that we are predisposed to trust people until they give us reason not to. Unfortunately, in the world of credit, by the time they have given you reason not to trust them, the damage has already been done.
Unfortunately, the chief culprit for credit mismanagement is the person you see staring back at you in the mirror every morning. Credit is all too often an easy fix, a quick way to accomplish or acquire something without enacting the discipline that many of us were raised on, namely the idea of working and saving towards a desired financial goal. We can find numerous examples of those who consolidate debts on low interest rate cards, but don’t pay attention to the special rate timeframe and get hit with super high APRs, and millionaires who overextend themselves because they must have the latest things. Your parents worked hard to instill a sense of responsibility in you; don’t let it go to waste.
Debt collectors are another one to watch out for. Again, we want to be able to reconcile our financial responsibilities, but we want the easy way out. Some debt collection agencies may advise setting up a payment plan using your credit card. Don’t do this. If you are working on settling an overdue account, send a money order. Some debt collectors, once they have your credit card number, will simply charge you for the whole amount owed, not the amount settled upon.
Servers at restaurants may also be suspect. The same person who kept your tea glass filled and bringing all you can eat hot wings may also be a part of what is known as a skimming network. When you pay for your meal, they have possession of your card, and it only takes a few seconds to “skim” necessary information from that card, using a device designed to read the magnetic strip on the back of the card. If at all possible, pay where you can see where the card goes. If you are really suspicious, follow the server to their station and watch them process the card. If they are offended, so be it. I’ll take my good credit score over a server’s hurt feelings any day.
The guys working on your house. It’s one thing to give the handyman money for a little chicken wire (Andy Griffith reference), but handing over your credit card to someone you barely know for a Home Depot run is begging for trouble. Take the time to actually go with them, buy what they need, and remain in control of the financial part of it.
Family. Before you throw things at me for saying that, a recent study on Identity Fraud revealed that 13% of all identity fraud is committed by family, neighbors, or friends. Beware of leaving any credit or card information where it can be easily seen.
Callers looking to investigate a credit card scam. You get a call from a professional sounding individual, informing you that your credit card security has been compromised. He has to confirm your identity, which he does by reading off your card number. The problem is, you’re talking to the crook. Once you give him that information, you are done. Rest assured that no reputable agency conducts business in this manner. If you receive such a call (or e-mail), ignore it and call the number on the back of the card. Most companies have a fraud alert e-mail address set up where you can share your experience and help them track down those responsible.
This last one pains me to say, but your children may also not be the best choice to loan out credit cards. We learned this firsthand recently, loaning our oldest daughter a card for use in buying gas during several trips back and forth to play rehearsals. Imagine our surprise when we received a bill totaling over $700! She wasn’t malicious, she just needed money and the card was there. But a little here and a little there adds up.
Basically, safeguard your credit information, preferably like a rabid dog. In today’s society, a good credit rating is everything.
About the Author
Billy D Ritchie is the Director Of Content for LeadsByFone, LLC, a lead generation company servicing the flood clean up and water damage restoration industry.
When not writing and educating folks about the perils of water damage, he is also a freelance writer, sometime actor, and formerly professional musician. He also enjoys spending his weekends building and flying model rockets.
Andy Griffith Football Story from 1953
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