Don't Forget you are a Shining Star

Often heard/read horror stories about credit card frauds. How people end up footing huge shopping bills of items they actually never purchase. And now, with ecom taking off in the country, the realm of credit card criminals has expanded further.

Here we bring you a few tips that can help you guard against fraudsters.

Every credit card carries its expiry date, but we love to hoard them anyway. Some of us have multiple cards, multiple versions. It is but natural for a bulging wallet to beg for disposal of the dated beauties.

Before tossing them away swiftly, ensure that you have cut them up into four. Make sure the magnetic strip (the black strip) behind the card is not left intact since it holds key information that can be misused. The rule to remember is to lighten the wallet of credit cards, only in the presence of an obliging pair of scissors. Cut them up and only then throw them away.

There is a critical 3-digit number on the back of the card called CVV (card verification value). If you have detached the card from the fat mailer that came with it, and generally flung away the accompanying literature, read on.

The 16-digit card number, expiry date and CVV together, are enough to complete an Internet transaction. Modern card thieves are computer-savvy. Memorise, note-down (elsewhere please, not on the card itself) and blacken the CVV. Better still, hang around when your card is being swiped.

A card's magnetic strip has the basic details of the cardholder. But the card also comes with a blank space for you to sign in. The authentication of the card is done by you. Take a minute and sign in. Else anyone who may get your blank card, can sign in and use it. Needless to add, the bills will come in your name to your address.

PINs are 4-digit numbers that have to be used to draw money at the ATM. It is so difficult to remember them all, given the 8 different cards that you have. So you decided to simplify matters by noting that number on the card itself. The thief who got your card hit a double whammy - the card and the PIN, both in one piece - so money can be drawn with ease. Think before you ink that PIN.

Always browse through your billing statement. Yes, it is sad re-living all the impulsive spends, but identify each line there, all the same. If you are the organised kind, you will keep all charge slips with you and compare them with the bill. If you find that there is some spend that you cannot account for, call your issuing bank and complain.

If you own a card, take the trouble of noting down its number, expiry date, and customer care number in one place. If you lose your card, you can at least inform customer care, while hoping (or praying if you are a believer) that the card thief has not swiped away.

So, you worry that your card will be lost, have nightmares that someone will swipe away gleefully, and need help for insomnia. Ask your bank to send you an SMS, a mail, or to call you and alert you every time your card is used. You don't have to wait for the billing statement. Don't let it be known that this facility also lets you in on all the shopping that your better half has been doing with the supplementary card!

Reference: Indiatimes Infotech

April the 1st

The first of April, some do say, April The 1st
Is set apart for All Fools' Day.
But why the people call it so,
Nor I, nor they themselves do know.
But on this day are people sent
On purpose for pure merriment.
-- Poor Robin's Almanac (1790)

The fool doth think he is wise, but the wise man knows himself to be a fool.
Shakespeare - As You Like It (Act V, Scene I)

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The Origins Of April Fool's Day - April 1

What is April Fools Day and how did it begin?
Well, that is a very good question. The origin of this holiday is rather uncertain.
However, the common belief holds that during the reformation of the calendar
the date for the New Year was moved from April 1st to January 1st.
During that time in history there was no television or radio so word spread slowly.
There were also those who chose to simply ignore the change and those who
merely forgot.
These people were considered "fools" and invitations to non-existent parties and
other practical jokes were played on them.
"All Fools' Day" is practiced in many parts of the world with practical jokes and
sending people on a fool's errand.
Others believe that the origin began with celebrations at the Spring Equinox.

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April Fools Days History

ANCIENT ROME
The custom of playing practical jokes on friends was part of the celebrations
in ancient Rome on March 25 (Hilaria)
The timing seems related to the vernal equinox and the coming of spring
a time when nature fools us with sudden changes between showers.
and sunshine.

ENGLAND
In England, tricks can be played only in the morning.
If a trick is played on you, you are a "noodle".
Widespread observance in England began in the 18th century.

SCOTLAND
In Scotland, April Fools Day is 48 hours long and you are called an
"April Gowk", which is another name for a cuckoo bird.
In Scotland, April Fools Day is 48 hours long.
The second day is called Taily Day and is dedicated to pranks
involving the buttocks.
Taily Day's gift to posterior posterity is the still-hilarious
"Kick Me" sign.

FRANCE
In France, the April Fool's is called "April Fish" (Poisson d'Avril).
The French fool their friends by taping a paper fish to their friends' backs
and when someone discovers this trick, they yell "Poisson d'Avril!"

SPAIN
Dia de los Santos Inocentes is held in Spain on December 28th.
This is The Feast of the Holy Innocents.
It is celebrated similarily to April Fool's Day, with practical jokes.

AMERICA
The English, Scotch and French introduced the custom to their
colonies in America.
One of our forefathers' favorite jokes was to send someone
on a "fool's errand."
For example, one might have been asked to go out and obtain a copy
of "The History of Adam's Grandfather," or bring back some
"sweet vinegar."

MEXICO
The "foolish" tradition is celebrated in Mexico, too, but on a different
day and for different reasons.
"El Dia de los Inocentes," which is December 28, was set aside as a day
for Christians to mourn Herod's slaughter of innocent children.
Over time, the tone of that "unluckiest of days" has evolved from
sadness to good-natured trickery.

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April Fools Day Pranks

Typical April Fools' pranks include putting salt in sugar bowls and sugar in salt
shakers, balancing a pan of water atop a partially opened door so that whoever
walks into the room next gets soaked, and putting toothpaste between the sides
of an Oreo cookie.

Get up in during the night on April Fool's day, set every clock in the house
ahead one hour.
Also the clock in the car, and wristwatch! (This takes some talent!)

The family will be up and ready for work an hour early, then with no
trouble with traffic or parking, they begin to wonder why others are
also late to work.
After other people arrive and say, no *I'm not late* they soon catch on!