Bill Myers

One rule to break when when it comes to using your credit cards

Every credit card has a signature strip on the back where you are supposed to sign your name.

In theory, signing your name on the signature strip somehow protects you from fraud.

Don't believe it.

Signing your name on the card gives a would-be thief a sample of your signature they can use when signing for fraudulent credit card purchases.

A better strategy is to write "Ask For Picture ID" on the signature strip on your credit cards.

In the few cases where a retail clerk actually checks your signature on the card, they may ask to see a photo ID.

That shouldn't be a problem for you - but it will be a problem for the person who has stolen your card.

So don't put a sample of your signature on your credit cards - unless you want to make it easier for the crook who steals your card.