Credit Card Fraud the Holiday Season: Things to Consider for Next Year

Published on: 22 February 2016 Last Updated on: 29 May 2021

Congratulations! You made it through another holiday season, hopefully, unscathed by fraudulent use of your credit cards.

While the winter holiday season is generally a time full of goodwill, a time when people try to see the best in each other (or at least be less pessimistic), criminals aren’t dissuaded by the thought of getting coal in their stockings. They think nothing of the problems that their unlawful behavior causes for the rest of us. In 2014, criminals cost Americans nearly $15 billion over the holiday season through credit card fraud, retail theft, fraudulent returns, and even counterfeit money. There’s no way of calculating the amount of time lost by victims of credit card fraud in the resulting hassle of straightening out the situation with their credit card company or the police.

It’s never too early to start getting ready for next winter’s holidays, and many of the sensible shopping tips designed to keep your financial information safe can be practiced at any time of the year. As with many things in life, making the effort to take precautions can save you a lot of aggravation in the long run. When you are out shopping, stay alert. Don’t leave your wallet in your coat or in your purse unattended – not to use the dressing room, go back to the buffet line or visit the restroom. Don’t leave it in plain sight in your car, either. Criminals who want to steal your personal information are very good at watching and waiting for you to step away. They are also known to work in teams with one person distracting you while another snatches your wallet. Many times, purchases are made before the card’s owner even knows it’s missing.

Of course, many of us prefer the convenience of shopping online. A recent study shows that card, not present (CNP) fraud attempts occurred in 2015 in one out of every 86 transactions, up significantly from one of every 114 transactions the previous year. Furthermore, the popularity of “buy online and pick up in-store” is a fresh opportunity for many cyber thieves, because most retailers don’t mandate re-running cards when consumers come for their purchases.

While banks and credit card companies absorbed 90 percent of the fraudulent transactions reported in 2014, unsuspecting consumers continue to put themselves at risk by browsing in free Wi-Fi zones, using public mobile hotspots, or shopping online at unverified websites. Also, clicking on links in emails rather than going to the websites of well-known retailers by typing them in the address bar can lead to trouble. All of these scenarios make it much easier for hackers to intercept online transactions, passwords and financial information.

Credit cards are preferable to cash, which could be counterfeit and is virtually impossible to track and to debit cards, which do not offer much protection against future loss. And credit card companies are supposed to help their clients in cases of fraudulent use. If you suspect someone has hijacked your card or card number, notify your card issuer immediately to cancel the card and arrange for a replacement. Most card companies cap your liability at zero dollars if you report the unauthorized credit card charges soon after discovering them, and under the Fair Credit Billing Act, you can be held liable only for the first $50. You should also file a police report.
If you have several credit cards, stick to using just one for shopping to help contain the damage in case the worst happens. And it never hurts to check your credit report. Federal law allows you to get a free copy of your credit report every 12 months from the three credit reporting companies. Consider spacing out your requests to every four months to ensure year-round coverage. The reports can be requested by visiting the annual credit report website, by calling 1-877-322-8228, or by writing to:

Annual Credit Request Service
PO. Box 105281
Atlanta, GA 30348-5281

While credit card fraud cases tend to increase around the winter holidays, your personal and financial information can be misappropriated at any time. By being vigilant, you should be able to prevent thieves from stealing your identity and ruining your cheer, any day of the year.

About the Author

Thomas Bunch is a business bankruptcy attorney in Lexington, Ky at the Bunch and Brock Law Firm. He has served Central Kentucky for over 5 decades and is an active participant in the Lexington Community.

Abdul Aziz Mondol

Abdul Aziz Mondol is a professional blogger who is having a colossal interest in writing blogs and other jones of calligraphies. In terms of his professional commitments, he loves to share content related to business, finance, technology, and the gaming niche.

View all posts

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO RENT A POWERBOAT IN DUBAI?

While being in Dubai everyone should try some water activities. Thankfully, Dubai Marina has plenty of activities to offer from parties on the yacht, fishing trips to snorkeling. But when you’re new to the sailing world it might be overwhelming to understand which yacht you should choose for renting a powerboat in Dubai. Dubai powerboat rentals companies offer a good deal of choices to suit everyone’s wallet and taste. Here are some tips to help you navigate the competitive Dubai rental market. A Powerboat in Dubai is suitable for: If you’re a sea lover and you cannot imagine a holiday in Dubai just staying in the luxury capital of the world, you should definitely consider sailing on the powerboat in Dubai. The design of such yachts helps them to gain speed way faster, which is perfectly suited for adventurous tourists. The trip plans are totally up to the customer, depending on the desired destination. Experienced skipper can teach you how to navigate in waters or take control over the boat; 1. Cruising and sightseeing on the Dubai coast Unlike sailing, sightseeing is usually concentrated alongside the coast, so everyone can enjoy all the main architecture pieces that bring tourists all over the world to Dubai, but from an unusual angle. Renting a boat over motor yachts would allow you to save some money and of course, enjoy the fastest ride in Dubai. Get a nice ride while admiring the best Dubai locations and warm weather. If you’re smart with your booking you can score yourself a golden hour which will make photos with Burj Al Arab or Palm Lagoon in the background truly magical; 2. Snorkeling and watersport Definitely, a refreshing way to spend your time in Dubai. No matter if you’re a tourist or a resident Dubai waters are perfect for snorkeling as it is full of unique fish. Honestly speaking, where else can you jet ski with the view of a magnificent skyline? Powerboat in Dubai for water sports offered to clients with all needed equipment that are included in the price; The historical hobby of local people and a great way to get closer to Arabian culture. Professional anglers are always on the board with you so no matter how experienced you’re in fishing you definitely can learn something new. Activity is kids friendly as long as you keep an eye on them. Fishing is available any season, just keep in mind that during the summer months it’s getting too hot, so not every species would be an easy catch. But again using the right equipment you will manage to catch any dream fish. Some fishing charters will have a barbeque, but be careful as some of them ask to pay an extra fee for it. What are the basic factors that impact powerboat renting prices in Dubai? Some basic criteria like boat design and size will surely affect the price. Powerboats capacity allows you to host up to 10 people, so if you're a big company you can easily split the bill to get more budget options. For example, a powerboat in Dubai around 30-40 ft long with a capacity of up to 10 people will cost you between $70 to $300 per hour. It’s common for rental companies to charge you by the hour, but whole day renting is always to be discussed. Make sure to contact the manager to get yourself a deal. Time and Destination are the main criteria for renting price as it correlates with how much fuel the crew will spend cruising in the open water. If you’re not comfortable boarding the powerboat in Dubai Marina you can order a yacht delivery to another place for extra charge on fuel that would be spent on the journey. Season and timing. The fact that the tourist season decreases pricing levels for any activity is common knowledge to any experienced tourist. The top season in Dubai comes from September till late March. The best tip would be to book the powerboat prior to your arrival in the UAE. The booking process and additional fees everyone should know about With high demand for any type of powerboat and yacht rental services, it’s better to take care of it before you land in Dubai. The booking is easy over numerous websites and the companies accept plenty of online paying methods. Always keep in mind that if you’re planning on something extraordinary on your trip, talk with the manager beforehand to make sure you won’t have unpleasant surprises. The cancellation policy is clear and most companies allow you to cancel service at any time. As powerboating relies on weather conditions, all trips will be rescheduled or canceled due to storm warnings. Surely in that case booking is fully refundable. Worth noticing that some companies cover insurance expenses for your trip, which is a huge advantage. What comes for extra pay on a powerboat? Birthday decorations and cake. If you're planning a party and don’t have the opportunity to arrange everything by yourself, companies averagely charge an extra $80-90 for a set-up to be ready for your arrival. For that price, you can expect balloons and a 500 mg cake. On a powerboat, barbeque is provided for no more than 10 people for an additional $60-70 on average. If you don’t have any professional equipment with you for an outstanding photoshoot with a Dubai background, companies offer a photographer for additional pay. For his work and editing photos be ready to pay around $130-150. In conclusion, powerboat renting services companies in Dubai will satisfy any tourist, no matter how luxurious you are. Plenty of activities could be done on a powerboat and for adrenaline lovers the no better-suited vessel in Dubai Marina than that. Everyone has a chance of experiencing a yachting lifestyle as a true local. Exact prices could be found on websites platforms like https://charterclick.com and many others. Read Also: Myths To ignoring And Tips To Follow When Buying Your First Boat Fun Things to Do When Residing in a Vacation Rental House in Anna Maria Island Attractions to See During Overnight Tour in Phuket

ISO 14001 Lead Auditor Training Is Not A Case Of One-Size-Fits-All

I heard it suggested the other day that, in the growing world of online learning, you must be able to download one-size-fits-all International Standards courses, answer a few questions and achieve certification! Clearly, this person did not understand the full extent and process of International Standards, and how training has to be adapted to suit the organization. For example, ISO 14001 Environmental Management Standard - EMS - is a generic standard that can be used by any organization, whatever its size or industry. But it will obviously contain some information that's more important to one type of business than another. The same Standard can be used just as well by a company making plastic containers, as an organization selling books. That's the whole point. Internal auditing So what really matters here is the interpretation of the Standard, the system installed, the training and, crucially, the internal auditing. There are different ways of achieving this, depending on the size and type if your business. A good start is to talk to expert providers and trainers, that are Exemplar Global certified. Without a doubt, everyone in the company should receive training when an ISO management system is implemented, especially if the organization is to pursue ISO certification. And while not every employee will go down this road, lead auditor training courses provide the most comprehensive training. Certification process Lead auditor training in Brisbane offers distinct components covering the ISO itself, as well as how to lead or conduct an audit, the latter being a crucial part of the ISO certification system. So let's use as an example, a company selling cleaning products. While not likely to have as great an environmental impact as, say, an oil refinery, it would have more than a book shop. This company operates an office and a warehouse, distributing its cleaning products by road to retail outlets. The cleaning products come in plastic bottles, packed into boxes for delivery. The owner of this company has decided to implement an environmental management system, with a view to achieving ISO 14001 Environmental Management Standard. He is keen to have all levels of staff on-board and committed, understanding the reasons for, and benefits of implementing the system. Professional consultants Firstly the business owner would contact professional consultants in Brisbane, for example, SC Training Centre. The consultants would discuss with him in-depth, the nature of the business, a number of staffs, premises, products, packaging, waste systems, delivery and so on. The consultants would then tailor-make a training and implementation package, specifically for this business. Normally, key personnel is trained first, followed by the rest of the team. At this point, the business owner would identify key members of staff for internal auditing and ISO 14001 lead auditor training. ISO 14001 clearly sets out what is needed for an EMS system to be ISO-compliant - regardless of the industry. Voluntary regulation It might surprise you to learn that ISO 14001 has been in existence for over 20 years, the first-ever environmental management system standard having been launched in 1992. The really interesting point is that ISO 14001 is based on a voluntary approach to regulation, making those organizations that pursue it highly commendable. Will it become compulsory? Who knows, but surely it pays to get a head start! Whilst reflecting the latest environmental legislation, ISO 14001 is more about putting a system in place to manage an organization's operations, to limit its impact on the environment. Reduce waste It provides a framework in which an organization can reduce waste; better manage resources; identify, assess and monitor environmental risks and, a big incentive to any business, reduce costs and improve profits. Now, one of the reasons our cleaning products business owner wants to achieve ISO 14001 certification is because he wants to tender to supply government departments with cleaning products. Increasingly, major companies and government departments are imposing very strict criteria on their suppliers, including ISO certification, so it's a very smart move. And going down this path has opened this company's eyes to issues it hadn't considered. For example, our business owner was only concerned with the products themselves, the production process and the packaging. Delivery systems He hadn't stopped to think about the impact on the environment of his delivery system, or how much power he was using to run warehouse and office. Then there's the waste created by the business, not to mention the large usage of items like paper and printer cartridges. Suddenly, it's easy to see why only the best professional training will do! Especially as ISO 14001 has just been revised, with a strong focus on several new areas. Consequently, our 'business owner' has arranged for a new management system to be written and implemented, and for key staff to be trained at the start of the process. All staff will then receive general training while three key employees have been chosen to undertake ISO 14001 lead auditor training Brisbane, which will provide them with the necessary knowledge and skills to competently conduct third-party assessments of the company's EMS.

The Dos And Don’ts Of Corporate Travel Planning

As a business owner, your company's growth must be your top priority. Exhausting all the means to do so is necessary, from empowering your employees to creating connections outside your business. Sometimes, it may require you to travel and meet with these connections to secure the deal better. Through successful corporate trips, you can expand your network and increase your chances of forming crucial ties for your company. For your travels to go well, you should ensure that your preparations are carried out with utmost effort starting from the planning phase. Planning may be a chore. So if you are wondering how to pull off your business trip, we've got you! Here are the dos and don'ts for your corporate travel booking. 1. Book Ahead Of Time Take advantage of being an early bird to maximize the travel benefits of agencies and hotels. Booking ahead leaves plenty of room for schedule adjustments, negotiation rates, and airline perks. It will also provide you with more options and chances to choose the best and most practical reservation deals. Planning also allows you to assess for a longer period what your company needs. You can also build your strategies, taking more steps closer to your corporate travel goals. 2. Research On Your Destination On any trips you go to, you must first research your destination. You will visit the unfamiliar territory, so you must read about the place you are traveling to. It will be helpful if you feel comfortable and confident as you go there. Aside from this, it would be best if you also considered your destination's culture. It is important to be culturally sensitive to your team and the people in the place you are going to. Try to familiarize yourself with their language, meeting etiquette, and business traditions. It would be better to show the hosts that you respect their customs and are well-prepared. Making a good impression in this could help you reach the main purpose of your trip. 3. Consider Your Company's Travel Policies Companies usually have travel policies to ensure that the employees they will deploy on the trip are guided on their goals. It exists to direct employees on their travel arrangements in line with the company's values and rules. Also, it may include guidelines on bookings, expenses, and invoicing. So if you are assigned to go on a corporate trip, it is best to read your company's travel policies to ensure a smooth trip. Related Resource: Practical Travel Tips for Your Vacation to Canada 4. Don't Leave Without A Backup Plan Traveling with an emergency plan is mandatory. Create Plan A-D. It's always better to be ready! Naturally, it would be better to anticipate flight delays, issues with hotel reservations, and weather problems. With this, you can set up a game plan of what you will do if these things ever happen during your corporate travel. Maintaining good communication with your hosts and the people behind your booking accommodations is the key to your plans to work. 5. Using Travel Apps May Be Ideal You can conveniently book and arrange your trips by downloading and using travel applications on your phone. All thanks to technology! The era with emails and separate bookings with different services is now outdated. Skip email notifications. There are many travel apps online that you can use if you wish to change your dates and reservations and be notified of your booking status. Ultimately, travel apps offer you convenience and direct communication. They are easy to use and let you stay connected with your accommodations anytime, anywhere. Wrapping Up Unlike planning staycations and family beach trips, corporate travel is more critical, not just for you but also for your company's team. It is important to consider every aspect of your travel, from booking to the itinerary. Before booking your travels, ensure that you have secured all the documents needed, from passport to visa. Your travel course must also be aligned with your company and travel policies. Doing so saves you the trouble of hassles in the middle of your trip. Read Also: Luxury travel on a budget: Is it possible? The Laws You Need to Know When Traveling to the Middle East City What to visit in Canada? Know all the Requirements You Need to Travel

Credit Card Fraud the Holiday Season: Things to Consider for Next Year

Inside the Sublime Environs of Kalpa – A Guide to Best Places

Where Are You Celebrating Holi this Year?

Tags

Abdul Aziz Mondol

Abdul Aziz Mondol is a professional blogger who is having a colossal interest in writing blogs and other jones of calligraphies. In terms of his professional commitments, he loves to share content related to business, finance, technology, and the gaming niche.

Leave a Reply

Popular

Technologies For Creating A Startup Idea

How to Download Facebook Videos on Android?

7 Rules of Effective Ecommerce Web Design

The 10 WordPress Plugins Every Sucessful Blogger Uses

Follow Us

Recent

Career Development Plan: What Is It And How To Create One?

Why You Need to Include Voice Search Optimization in Your Marketing Strategy

Finding the Perfect Fit: A Landlord’s Guide to Selecting Suitable Tenant

How Senior Living Communities Provide a Safe Haven for Seniors

Related

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO RENT A POWERBOAT IN DUBAI?

ISO 14001 Lead Auditor Training Is Not A Case Of One-Size-Fits-All

The Dos And Don’ts Of Corporate Travel Planning

Credit Card Fraud the Holiday Season: Things to Consider for Next Year

Share this Article

Inside the Sublime Environs of Kalpa – A Guide to Best Places

Where Are You Celebrating Holi this Year?

Tags

Abdul Aziz Mondol is a professional blogger who is having a colossal interest in writing blogs and other jones of calligraphies. In terms of his professional commitments, he loves to share content related to business, finance, technology, and the gaming niche.

Leave a Reply

Popular

Follow Us

Recent

Related