Credit card fraud danger lurks in magazine inserts

By Jeremy M. Simon

Consumers who receive magazines or catalogs in the mail could be the target of credit card fraud.  Many magazines and catalogs arrive in the mail with preprinted, preapproved credit card applications containing your personal information -- presenting a golden opportunity for identity thieves.

While these credit card applications make it easy for consumers to apply for some extra plastic, they also make it simple for identity thieves to apply for a credit card in your name.

Too often, magazines and catalogs may be thrown away without considering the fact that these credit card applications, along with the consumer's name and address, is easily accessible to any criminal willing to do a little digging.  Other consumers may make a habit of giving away old magazines without the possibility of identity theft even crossing their minds.  

Experts encourage consumers to tear out these inserts and destroy them, as well as cutting out the name label printed on the publication.

Published: December 6, 2006

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