Dinner ‘Deal’ May Be Credit Card Trap

by Peter Weaver

Question: Someone called from a hotel and said we had been selected to receive restaurant dining privilages that allowed two dinners or lunches to go for the cost of one.

To be put on the spesial listing, they needed our credit card number so the head waiter could identify us.

Is this a legitimate discount to drum up interest in the restaurant or is there a catch to it ?

Answer: you should not have to give your credit card number over the phone. Too dangerous.

With your number, unscrupulos callers can then start charging goods through telephone orders for delivery elswhere. Number can also be sold to crooks.

Have them put any offers in writing, and be sure to check out the place of business. Call the hotel management back and ask if this offer is for real. it probabbly isn’t.

You should also be careful with your credit card number when you pay restaurant bills make purchases. Keep the carbon with the receipt and destroy it.

One way to fend off credit card fraud is to carefully check your statement each month. Keep all your receipts and compare them with the stated charges.

Here’s a checklist provided by American Express:

• Keep your card in view when a clerk takes it.
• If possible, avoid signing a blank receipt.
• Draw the line through blank spaces above the total.
• Carry cards separetely from your wallet.

And, remember, if your cards are stolen or lost, phone in the facts immediately. Make sure you have the phone numbers for all your cards creditors.

The law says once you report lost or stolen cards, your maximum liability is $50 per card. And most creditors waive the $50 penalty.