NEW TECHNOLOGY HELPS AAA COMBAT CREDIT CARD FRAUD

Millions of Americans use credit cards -- sometimes on a daily basis -- but how often are they thinking about the safety of each transaction?

"Combating fraud has always been important to AAA and its credit card services provider," said Scott Denman, managing director, AAA Financial Services. "So, an extra measure of protection has been incorporated into the system."

Using a neural network technology (predictive modeling software), the 24-hour fraud detection system used for AAA affinity credit cards, is able to "think through" each transaction based on the customer's known purchasing habits.

When the system detects a purchase that does not fall within predetermined patterns, it alerts an analyst to the possibility of fraud.

For example, if a charge is made at a jewelry store in New York and an hour later a charge is made using the same card number in a California grocery store, the credit card issuer is alerted that at least one of those transactions may not be legitimate.

"This system has been effective in combating the most common type of fraud -- the lost or stolen credit card," said Denman. "It is this type of forward thinking and preparation that helps us keep costs down for AAA credit card holders."

In addition, credit card holders are not liable for any amount of fraudulent charges on the AAA credit card.

To help cardholders avoid becoming victims of fraud, AAA offers these tips:

• Keep only one or two credit cards with you. Know where your most recent statement is from the credit card companies so that you will be able to call them immediately if your card is stolen.
• Before putting your wallet away, make sure your credit card and receipt have been returned. Most stores do not use carbon paper to make receipts anymore, but if you do see a store using this method remember to ask for the carbons with your receipt. Then destroy the carbons.
• When shopping on the Internet, read a company's privacy and security policies before you input your credit card number. Print out all receipts and order confirmations.

For more information, contact AAA Financial Services at 800-523-7666 or log on to www.aaa.com. AAA's credit card is issued through MBNA America Bank.

As North America's largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides its 44 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. AAA news releases are available from www.aaa.com/news.

Contact AAA, Orlando, Janie Graziani, 407-444-8000.