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Credit card fraud is a constant source of worry nowadays and being stuck without your plastic, even if it’s only for a few days can be really frustrating if you are one of those people that relies on their credit card for everyday transactions.

The reason why credit card fraud is such a popular crime however is because we make it easy for the criminals to steal our information. “Not me” you might say but have you never let your credit card out of your sight (in a restaurant perhaps), or thrown away an old statement, written down that pin number and left it in the same wallet as your card?

Don’t worry, you’re not alone. That’s why credit card fraud is so popular. Criminals will always choose to steal from the easiest places they can find to get the most money and taking the lowest risk. Your credit card, if you don’t look after it properly, gives them that opportunity.

So let’s see about minimising the risks. Follow these simple tips and your risk of becoming another crime statistic will reduce significantly:

- Always keep your credit cards in a safe place and never in the same place as any other documents to do with your cards.

- When out shopping, never let the cards leave your sight when buying something.

- Never throw away your credit card receipts or statements intact. Preferably you should shred them. If you don’t have a shredder, rip them into tiny pieces before throwing them out.

- Never write down your PIN number (and if you really must) never, ever keep it anywhere near your credit card.

- Don’t wait. If you think you’ve lost a credit card, report it to your issuer immediately.

- Never give out your PIN number to anyone, even if they claim to be from your bank, building society or the Police. None of these people would ask you to reveal this information legitimately.

- When you receive a new credit card, sign the back immediately.

- Old credit cards should be destroyed before you throw them out by cutting through the magnetic strip. Obviously shredding is the ideal option.

- You should receive a new credit card just before the expiry date of your old one. If you don’t ring your bank to find out why.

All these tips are really just about being more aware of your financially sensitive documents and cards and handling them accordingly. Home Shredders are widely available nowadays and don’t need to be expensive are could provide you with that little extra piece of mind that you’re doing all you can to stop yourself becoming a victim of fraud.

However you choose to dispose of your old credit cards and financial documents, remember that if you can read it as it goes into the bin then so can a criminal that picks it out later.

Paula Marriss is a financial advisor and editorial contributor at The Money Zone where she writes regular articles on Credit Cards and other Personal Finance topics. To read more please visit http://www.money-zone.net/creditcards/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paula_Marriss

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Yes, low APR credit cards are on the rise. Many credit cards are competing for your business to give you the best and lowest rates available today. There are so many credit cards from you to choose from that they are doing all kinds of things to get your attention including lowering their interest rate and giving you no annual fees.

Why is this happening? Because there are so many credit card companies. They all want your business and this is an attractive incentive to get you to apply and own one of their credit cards. If you choose a low APR credit card over one with 19.99 percent you are sure to go with the lower APR.

The only problem is that sometime these 0% and low APR credit cards are only promotional ways to get you to apply and then later your interest rate will rise. Many credit card companies have low APR credit cards for a certain amount of time such as 3 months, 6 months and some up to one year. You will have to compare to find out which one keeps the lower APR after the promotional period to ensure you are getting the best deal around.

No matter what the reason low APR credit cards are here to stay as long as the companies are competing for your business. Just remember to compare everything they offer besides the lower interest rate. You may find that several credit card companies are now offering other wonderful incentives for you to apply with them such as reward programs.

No matter which company you choose, you will enjoy the low APR credit cards even if it is only for a limited time. You will be able to save money on your purchases because you will not have to pay any interest until the promotional period is over. Just be sure your balance is very low when the interest rate kicks in and you will be fine.