| Contrary to popular belief, credit cards are still the | | | | Aside from that, some people are afraid of billing |
| safest form of payment for goods and services | | | | errors. While I am fully aware that billing errors do |
| on or offline. Many consumers fear unauthorized | | | | occur,I also know that issuers have a set of rules |
| charges and billing errors. In many cases, these | | | | they have to follow to promptly correct them. |
| problems can all be solved just by knowing your | | | | These rules are outlined on statements sent out |
| rights and using them to your advantage. | | | | once a year. Many issuers even list your rights on |
| When it comes to unauthorized charges, there | | | | the bill. If you find a mistake on your bill, you can |
| are many consumer defenses available. The credit | | | | dispute the charge and withhold payment on that |
| card companies, as well as the government are | | | | amount while the charge is being investigated. The |
| very aware of identity theft and the recent rise | | | | error might be a charge for the wrong amount, |
| so it has become increasingly easier to report | | | | for something you didn't accept, or for an item |
| fraudulent charges. Now if your card is used | | | | that wasn't delivered as agreed. Of course, you |
| without your permission, you can only be held | | | | still have to pay any part of the bill that's not in |
| liable for up to $50 per card. Compare that to if | | | | dispute, including finance and other charges. |
| your wallet or purse is stolen and how much you | | | | Some other tips are pretty simple to follow. 1. |
| would get back from cash lost in that case. Plus If | | | | Never respond to credit card e-mails asking for |
| you report the loss before the card is used, you | | | | your details, even if they look official. 2.Always |
| can't be held responsible for any unauthorized | | | | make sure the merchant only charges you once |
| charges. Most good issuers have a 24 hour | | | | at the time of the transaction. The sooner the |
| number where they can be accessed nowadays | | | | better. 3. Don't enter your credit card into an |
| but it is always a good idea to follow the phone | | | | unsecured website. Make sure the address says |
| call up with a letter for documented proof and | | | | "https" instead of "http". The website should also |
| you will be fine. Also if u just have a dispute with | | | | have a certification of some kind, usually verisign. |
| a merchant or service provider, it can be handled | | | | So to sum it all up, credit cards are safer than |
| in the same way as long as they are within 100 | | | | ever and will always be safer than cash in my |
| miles and the charge is above $50. (These | | | | opinion. I've included a link to a list of good, safe |
| limitations don't apply if the seller is also the card | | | | low interest credit cards. Feel free to look over |
| issuer or if a special business relationship exists | | | | them and compare rewards. |
| between the seller and the card issuer, or if | | | | All rights reserved. Article may be reprinted as |
| you've already made several attempts to resolve | | | | long as the content remains intact and unchanged |
| the dispute on your own). | | | | and all links remain active. |