7. Credit Cards / ATMs - Report lost or stolen credit cards and ATM cards immediately. Be sure to carry 1-800 numbers of your bank and credit card company in your wallet.

8. Destroy Credit Card Mail Offers and Old Financial Documents - If you receive direct or pre-approved solicitations in mail for new credit cards and do not use them make sure you shred or tear them up before throwing them away. In addition, shred all financial papers including cancelled checks, old bank account statements, or any document with your identity.

Most analysts forecast financial fraud and identity thief to cause financial loss to hundreds of thousands people in next five years and beyond. While fraudsters are very slick and you can never be 100% safe steps above can assist in you significantly deterring yourself and family from being a victim.

Copyright (c) 2005, by Jay Fran This article may be freely distributed as long as copyright, author's information and below active live link with anchored text is published with article

Motorcycle Financing Guide - Bad Credit Motorcycle Financing - Financing

Jay Fran is a successful author and publisher at http://www.motorcycle-financing-guide.com, a comprehensive resource on bad credit motorcycle loans, motorcycle financing, military motorcycle loans and online motorcycle loans.

Owning a credit card can be quite an advantage. Whether making online purchases, booking an air ticket or a hotel room on phone or simply being in need of some emergency cash, having a credit card can be a big help. However, getting a credit card is also a huge responsibility and if you don't keep an eye on your spending habits, credit cards can create some serious problems. Here is an excellent list of tips on proper credit card use and if you follow these, you will likely stay out of trouble and your credit card will be a blessing instead of a curse:

1. When you make a purchase with credit card, it is akin to taking a loan from your bank. What you have borrowed has to be returned - so do not borrow beyond your capacity to pay it back.

2. Always be aware of your outstanding credit card balances. This will help you determine whether you can make additional purchases. Even small purchases can really add up to big balances and substantial interest charges.

3.Any credit card receipts should be kept until you can compare them to your monthly statement. If you find any purchases you did not make, or higher charges than those on receipt, contact your credit card company immediately.

4. don't give your credit card to anyone, not even friends and family. Its not that you cant trust these folks but it would be really difficult to track purchases if you are not only one making them.

5. don't ever borrow more than your ability to pay it back. If you do and consequently arent able to pay it back, it can hurt your future ability to obtain other forms of loans such as home mortgages, car loans etc.

6. Pay your credit card bills on time or even before they are due. Doing so will not only help improve your credit scores, but also help avoid additional costs associated with late payment charges and accrued interest.

7. Try to have your credit card bills paid in full every month. To ensure this, budget your credit card purchases on a monthly basis and then don't allow your purchases to exceed that amount.

8.Keep your credit cards for new purchasing. don't pay one credit card bill with a different credit card. This will inevitably lead to more charging and higher balances.