How Can Consumers Protect Themselves?
Consumers can protect themselves and their calling card information from shoulder surfers by following a few common sense safety tips such as the ones listed below:
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Be aware of your surroundings. Pay attention to people loitering around the phone. Shoulder surfers may pretend to be having a conversation on a nearby payphone in order to place themselves in good position to copy down calling card information.
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Shift positions from side to side and/or stand directly in front of the phone while entering your calling card information to avoid a direct line of sight of the keypad from any one location. Covering the keypad with a cupped hand also helps to deter shoulder surfing.
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If you have to recite your calling card information to an operator, speak clearly and quietly in order to prevent anyone from overhearing.
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Treat your calling card as you would a credit card - don't share your calling card number with others.
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Report lost or stolen cards to your calling card provider as soon as possible to minimize the risk of abuse.
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Memorize your calling card and PIN so you don't have to pull your card out.
With these tips in mind, using your calling card will be safe, simple and convenient.