$1 on your credit card can cost you thousands

By Jeremy Simon

A new identity theft scheme puts a charge of just $1 on your credit card, in what is creatively known as the "one dollar scam."

In this new scam, thieves buy hundreds of stolen credit card numbers and put a $1 charge on each of them.  But the next step in the scam that really earns the crooks some cash.

Should you be one of the unlucky hundreds of cardholders who ends up with a dollar charge, and then doesn't notice it, the next month the thieves will bill thousands of dollars of merchandise to your credit card.

The scam works because by revealing who doesn't read their credit card bill carefully in order to pick up on the initial $1 charge, the thieves target unaware consumers.  The consumers who don't closely examine their monthly credit card statements are hit with thousands of dollars in charges they never approved.

To avoid becoming a victim of this scam, always consider every charge that appears on your monthly credit card statement.  Should you find any questionable charges, do not hesitate to call your credit card company using the card issuer's phone number provided on the back of your card or on your bill.

By remaining a vigilant credit card user, you can prevent yourself from becoming the victim of credit card fraud.    

To comment on this story, write Editors@CreditCards.com.

More credit card news.

Published: November 2, 2006

	Three most recent Legal, regulatory, privacy issues stories: Agencies release new consumer privacy rights notice forms – Federal agencies released samples of model privacy rights notices that are simpler and easier to understand. But banks are not required to use the forms ... Identity theft booms, even as thieves rely on old-fashioned methods – Identity theft is booming again for the first time in years, and fraudsters are staying old fashioned and opting to go after your wallet or laptop, insurance giant Travelers reported ... Stipulated judgments: the 'secret' savior – If you've been sued due to nonpayment, getting something called a stipulated judgment can save you from having your wages garnished or your property seized ...

	CreditCards.com's newsletter Did you like this story? Then sign up for CreditCards.com’s weekly e-newsletter for the latest news, advice, articles and tips. It's FREE. Once a week you will receive the top credit card industry news in your inbox. Sign up now!