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ID Theft Increasing

Some financial counselors are seeing an increase in the number of people who are victim to credit card fraud and identity theft.

Terry Mills is with Consumer Credit Counseling Service of the Black Hills, it’s a non-profit organization.   Mills says it’s vital to take the proper steps to protect your identity--including maintaining cyber security and keeping private information secure.

“And then also change your passwords around," says Mills.    "Unfortunately the most used pin number is the number 1-2-3-4 which is kind of funny to me to do that.   So, you know, use unique pin numbers–please do not write them the back of your card or put slips in your wallet.  If somebody gets your credit card, or your debit card, or your ATM card, it’s no good to them unless they have that four digit number,” he adds.

Mills says under federal laws governing credit card use–the holder is only responsible for the first $50 dollars if a false purchase is reported in the first 60 days.  So he says that’s why it’s important to watch your statement and report unauthorized charges promptly.   He says debit cards don’t have the same protection.