Credit cards are convenient and accepted by most stores. They can free you from carrying cash or checks, but there are some risks associated with them. Here are some guidelines to help protect your credit card activities.

Protect Your Card

Keep Your Card Information Safe

Never write your PIN number on your cards.
Never give credit card information over the phone, unless you initiate the call.
Contact your financial institution if your credit card statement does not arrive as expected. Verify your address to make sure someone did not change it to get your statements.
Use the last four digits of your account number on the Memo line when writing a check to pay your credit card bill.
Keep a list of your credit card numbers and issuing companies' phone numbers in a secure place. If a card is lost or stolen, this information will speed the process of deactivating it.

Develop Good Habits for Using Your Card Securely

Carry only the cards you use regularly.
Keep seldom-used cards in a safe place.
Avoid leaving your cards behind by holding onto your wallet until your card is returned. You can also hold your card until you get your receipt.
Keep an eye out for new or re-issued cards in the mail. If you don't get them on time, contact your financial institution.
Activate and sign any new cards immediately when you receive them.

Prevent Fraud

Keep these guidelines in mind to prevent anyone else from using your card improperly:

Always enter a total on the receipt.
Draw lines through unused spaces on the receipt.
Never sign a blank charge slip.
Get your card back and take the receipt.
Keep your receipts until you can compare them with your account statement.
Never lend your card to another person.
Consider registering for BB&T Alerts to receive notifications about your card activity. This can help you spot unauthorized charges sooner than if you wait for your monthly statement.

Get Help

If your credit card details are compromised, call the card issuer immediately. BB&T clients should call 800-BANK-BBT (800-226-5228).

By law, once you report the loss or theft, you have no further liability for unauthorized charges. In any event, your maximum liability under federal law is $50.

If the scam claimed a connection to BB&T, please also report it to BB&T Internet Fraud.