Shaving credit cards

Criminals Turn to Shaving

We've all heard about high tech online and email scams that are used by criminals to trick consumers out of their money. But now, some scammers are relying on good old low-tech skills to steal money from consumers... sometimes without being detected for months!

Authorities are reporting increased "credit card shaving" activity. Credit card shaving--or resurfacing--occurs when a criminal essentially creates a duplicate credit card using numbers from other cards.

Here's how it works...

Criminals obtain valid credit card numbers (either by purchasing a list of numbers from a black market dealer or by stealing numbers from other sources, such as financial paperwork). Then, criminals use a razor blade to shave the raised numbers off of expired credit cards or gift cards. Once the numbers are off, criminals re-arrange those numbers into the order of a valid credit card number and glue them back onto a clean-shaven card. Finally, the criminals use a knife or a pen to scratch the magnetic strip on the back of the newly created card, so that store clerks have to enter the number manually rather than swipe the card.

It's all very low-tech, but very effective! Especially, when you consider that the victims have no idea they're even being robbed. And why should they? Their actual credit cards haven't been stolen... they're safe and sound in a wallet or purse.

So what can you do to protect yourself?

First, spread the word about this type of crime. That means telling your friends, family members, and even your local merchants. Experts agree that the best line of defense is at the store register. After all, these card numbers need to be entered manually by a store clerk. If the clerk is perceptive and takes a minute to inspect cards for evidence of mismatched and crooked numbers or even traces of glue, many of these types of crimes could be stopped before they begin.

Second, monitor your accounts. All too often, people file their credit card bills or check card statements without really inspecting them. To help protect yourself, make sure you take a few minutes to examine what charges are listed. If anything looks remotely suspicious, look into it. You can start by checking it against your recent purchases, and if anything looks suspect, get in touch with your credit card company and the merchant for help in tracking down the issue.

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Grocery Tips

Grocery Shopping Tips

With food prices still soaring, supermarkets are offering many deals and specials to lure in food shoppers. But sometimes, these good deals can actually cause people to spend more than they would have otherwise. Phil Lempert, author of Being the Shopper: Understanding the Buyer's Choice, offers these smart-shopping tips:

Limit Four Per Person: Scarcity can have a powerful impact on shoppers. A buying restriction can tempt people to buy more than they need, which could cause items to either spoil or sit in your pantry for a long time. Tip: In the long run, when you factor in the amount of products that spoil or are eventually thrown away, you will usually be better off financially if you only buy the amount you reasonably need and can use.

End of Aisle or Freestanding Displays: Often the "specials" displayed on the end caps of each aisle or on an island display aren't really the best deals that the store currently offers. These displays may also lead to impulse buys that you weren't intending to make. For instance, a display with graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows could make you think, "I'll make s'mores for dessert." Tip: While the location of these items is convenient, especially during busy shopping hours, you should only buy these items if they really are good deals.

Buy One, Get One Free: While these deals can make you feel like you are getting something for half price, if the cost is more than that of a similar item...or if you don't need a large quantity...than this may be one special worth passing on. Tip: Ask the manager if you can buy one item for half the price instead of buy one get one free. While stores don't always advertise this alternative, they often allow it.

Pre-Sliced Produce: While pre-sliced produce can feel like an easy choice, it can cost twice as much as whole produce, and can spoil faster than whole produce. Tip: Pay extra for prepared meals and produce only if the time and effort they save you is significant and really worth it.

For more great grocery shopping tips, visit www.supermarketguru.com.