• Avoid using ATMs in poorly lit or low-trafficked areas. Experts often recommend choosing an ATM inside a bank over standalone ATMs. Look for new or suspiciously placed cameras and unusual signage.
• Pay inside a gas station where you can deal with a person and sign for the transaction.
• Pay attention to what the card reader and keypad normally look like on the ATMs you use most frequently.
• Don’t use an ATM if the card reader appears to be added on, fits poorly or is loose. Look for glue marks or residue around the reader. 
• When entering your PIN, cover the keypad with your other hand to hide information from any cameras. Also, periodically change your PIN.
• Don’t let a store employee walk away with your credit card to swipe it if you can help it.
• Monitor your statements and keep a close eye out for suspicious charges. Through your financial institution, you can also sign up for alerts that will notify you when certain types of transactions occur.
• Report any fraudulent activity to your bank as soon as you discover it. Consumer protections for debit and credit cards vary, but depend largely on when the fraudulent activity is reported.
  

 If after reviewing your credit reports you have found errors, you should send a separate letter to each credit reporting agency (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) in which the error was found. In these letters you must explain in detail the situation and why this is an error. With each letter you must also include a copy of that credit report with the erroneous information highlighted. Any additional paperwork that you have showing why you are disputing (receipts, contract, etc.) is always good when disputing. By law, credit reporting agencies must investigate any errors that are found, and will speak with the creditor that supplied the data which is in dispute. If the creditor admits to the error the reporting agency will remove that error from their report promptly and without damage to your credit rating. If the creditor does not admit to error, then you will need to file a statement detailing your account of the situation, which will be filed in future reports that other creditors receive. Bankrate provides a great form letter for fixing any credit report mistakes.

When it comes to your credit report you must remember that you do not send in the information that comprises your credit history, your creditors do. But, you are accountable for the accuracy of the information contained in each of your credit reports. This is why it is very important to check your credit report regularly and before requesting a loan of any size. If you do find a mistake please remember it is not difficult to get rid of the errors. It is just time-consuming, but well worth it. There may be weeks or months of phone calls and or sending out mail, but the end result could be getting a loan with an interest rate that you can handle.