When signing, draw a line through the blank space above the total, and keep copies of the receipts to compare with charges on your 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. Never lend credit cards, or leave them or receipts lying around. 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, consumers are not liable for any unauthorized charges after they call each company. The mail box may start to bulge with personal loan offers that are as simple as signing a form and sending it back to the company. This might be a quick way to handle the big holiday shopping bills, but first read the fine print. Many of these loans have high interest rates and fees. Compare the rates with local financial institutions before making a decision.