Before you agree to pay for a credit card loss protection plan, get the details in writing. You may find that there's no reason to spend money for assistance you don't need and protection you already have.
	Know that federal law already protects you if your credit card is lost or the card or account number is stolen. If you report to your credit card issuer that the card is missing before it has been used by someone else, you're not responsible for any charges made with it. And if the card has been used already, you're not liable for more than $50 of the unauthorized charges as long as you report the problem promptly.
	Find out if your credit card issuer offers extra protection for free. Some companies have adopted voluntary policies under which customers aren't responsible to pay anything if their card numbers are used without authorization.
	Watch out for callers who claim they're from or connected with your credit card issuer. They may imply that credit card loss protection is a free service that you will receive and ask to "verify" your account number to enroll you in the program. You could end up with charges you didn't expect on your credit card bill for a service you didn't agree to buy.
	Protect yourself against credit card fraud. Don't leave your card lying around your home or office where others can see it. Don't lend your card to other people. If you want someone else to be authorized to use your account, make those arrangements through your card issuer.
	Check your credit card bills carefully as soon as you receive them. Follow the instructions on your bill for questioning or disputing charges. Don't send a note with your payment. Problems are usually not handled by the same department as payments.
	Be prepared to notify your card issuer if your card is lost or the card or account number is stolen. Keep a file with your credit card issuer's name and number so you know who to call. Have this separate from your wallet in case it's stolen, too!

If you need advice about a telephone solicitation or you want to report a possible scam, call the NFIC hotline at 1-800-876-7060. You can also ask questions or report fraud using our online forms.

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