Credit Card Safety: To Sign or Not to Sign

Cant’ decide whether to sign or not to sign your plastics? If you’re worried you’re giving thieves the chance to forge your signature, then don’t be. Not signing your card isn’t a fool proof solution either. The thief can just sign your plastic and match it on the receipt.

So why do you need to sign the back of your plastic? Because your credit card isn’t actually valid unless you’ve signed it. Merchandisers have the right, and are advised to do so, to decline cards without signatures. If they let an unsigned card go through, they won’t get paid in case of disputes.

I know what you’re thinking. You haven’t signed most of your credit cards but your still able to use them. You may laugh at my attempt to warn you but rules are rules. You may seem to get away with it now but not for long until things get skewed. Remember, a signed card will be protected and reimbursed immediately. A blank one will go through thorough reviews first.

Besides, if you think it’s the insignificance of this rule that allows you to use unsigned cards then you’re wrong. It’s not just you. The clerk or store may just be too lazy to prompt you for fear of loss of sales.

If you want to protect your card, sign it and more…

· Make sure to jot down all of your plastics information. These include their account and card numbers, PIN, credit card provider hotlines and so forth.

· If you have multiple cards, don’t bring them all at once. Just choose the best one among the stack depending on the purpose. If you’re off to dine, shop or refill your petrol tank, pick the right card for it. This lessens your chance of losing too much money from theivery and fraud.

· Keep track of your statement. When the credit card bills arrive, check, compare and file. Don’t go over them lightly and agree to pay what’s indicated. Chances are, there might be an ongoing fraud or error. You won’t discover unless you keep a sharp-eye on them.

· Never lose your card. Sure, slip ups happen and we’re all human . But if you practice precaution in your credit cards, it’ll be a habit. Thus it’ll most likely save you from losing one for a long time, if not for good.

Don’t make your own rules when it comes to your credit cards’ safety. What is 30 seconds each in signing the back of them compared to losing $50 on every fraud your card gets tangled in?