When signing, draw a line through the blank space above the total, and keep copies of the receipts to compare with charges on the monthly billing statements. Review credit-card accounts promptly every month and immediately report any questionable charges by writing to the company that issued the card. Sign new credit cards as soon as they arrive and keep records of your credit-card numbers and their expiration dates, along with the card company's address and telephone number. Never lend credit cards, or leave credit cards or receipts lying around, and never write credit-card numbers on a postcard. If a credit card is lost, call the card company immediately.
Most companies have toll-free numbers to report missing or stolen cards.
Under federal law, they are not liable for any unauthorized charges after they call each company. If that does not work, they should contact the local Better Business Bureau or local and state consumer protection offices. For mail order, contact either the U.S. Postal Service or the Direct Marketing Association, an industry-sponsored organization. The FTC also is interested in hearing from consumers. Although the agency does not intervene in individual disputes, information from consumers relating their experiences is vital to the agency's law enforcement.