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Credit card safety first

• Sign the signature panel on the back of your card as soon as you get it
• Never keep your PIN code in the same place as your card

• Thieves don’t need the card to get into your account, just the number. So for the sake of credit card safety:
• Keep your card private—don't let anyone see it when you're out in public
• Don't give the number out over the phone unless you initiated the call and you're talking to your bank or a merchant you trust
• Never answer an email that asks for your account number or personal information—even if it looks like it's from your bank or a reputable company or organization
• Consider paperless statements to remove your sensitive information from the postal system
• Store paper statements and other documents with sensitive information securely—and shred prior to disposal
• Tell your credit card issuer if you’re changing addresses so statements and other notifications about your credit card follow you to your new home
• Periodically check to ensure your bank or credit card issuer has your current phone number and email address on file so you can be contacted quickly if necessary
• Use online payments where possible to avoid the risk of a lost or stolen check or account number in the mail

Be careful with your receipts

• Extra spaces on the receipt? Draw a line through them before you sign, so nothing can be added later
• Keep your receipts and check them against your billing statements
• Don’t just toss receipts and duplicates—shred the ones you don’t need and securely file the rest

Make sure your devices and networks are secure

• Make sure your computer is equipped with a firewall, which prevents unauthorized users from gaining access to your computer or monitoring transfers of information to and from the computer
• Be sure to download and install any operating system and software updates (sometimes called patches or service packs) in a timely manner
• Make sure your browser software is up to date
• Equip your computer with virus-protection software, such as McAfee Internet Security
• Utilize fraud protection software. Bank of America customers can download free Trusteer Rapport software to help protect their account information
• Avoid downloading software or programs from unknown sources

Think credit card protection when you shop online

• Shop with established businesses that you can contact easily if there’s an issue
• When shopping on your mobile device, check to be sure the sites are secure by looking for web addresses with https: in the address
• Don't share personal info unless you absolutely have to—and you know how it will be used
• Check payment terms, refund and return policies, shipping costs and guidelines
• Print or save (to your desktop) electronic copies of receipts, confirmation numbers and emails

Keep your passwords secret

• Choose effective passwords that use both letters and numbers
• Avoid using names, birthdays or anniversaries
• Never share your passwords—and never keep them near your card
• Consider changing your passwords periodically and don’t use the same password for all your accounts

• Reviewing your recent account activity is fundamental to credit card safety—and it's easy. You can do it online or by phone. If your credit card issuer offers email or mobile alerts about unusual activity, sign up to receive them. If you’ve been a victim of fraud or identity theft in the past, consider signing up with a credit-monitoring service. (Have a credit card with Bank of America? Good news: You receive fraud monitoring and analysis free as part of our Total Security Protection^® package.)