Think twice before tossing out credit card receipts

WASHINGTON – It seems like these days, thieves will stop at nothing to steal your identity or financial information. Don’t settle for just taking precautions online and at ATMs — keep an eye on receipts, as well.

CreditCards.com says even though the receipt shows nothing but the last four digits of your card number, you should still treat that as sensitive information and not throw away the receipt without a second thought.

Scam artists who get their hands on even part of your card number can use it to phish for the whole number by posing as your credit card issuer or utility company over the phone.

And remember your card company will never call you and ask you to give them your whole card number.

WTOP’s Veronica Robinson contributed to this report. Follow WTOP on Twitter.

(Copyright 2012 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)

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