• Protecting your credit cardcredit card and hand image by Warren Millar from Fotolia.com
  
  Identity theft is a real and serious problem that can result in a negative credit rating. If you don't detect the problem early, having your identity stolen can disqualify you from getting a mortgage or an auto loan. Fortunately, there are simple and effective ways to protect your credit card information.
  
  

Keep Account Information Safe

• Phishing emails (emails offering fake services in an attempt to get credit card information) and fraudulent telephone soliciting are common methods of stealing a consumer's personal information. Giving your credit card number to someone through email or over the phone puts you at serious risk for identity theft. Protect your credit card by ignoring these requests, and purchasing only from websites that feature a security logo or secure code that ensures your transactions are safe. Reputable businesses use companies such as VeriSign to keep consumer information safe. Look for an "S" symbol or a lock box on the bottom right or left of a web page. These symbols indicate a secure website.
  
  

Keep Credit Cards Safe

• Leaving credit cards in your work desk or in your car also puts you at great risk for identity theft. The safest place for your credit cards is inside your wallet. If this increases the temptation to spend needlessly, remove your credit cards from your wallet or purse and place them inside a safe or locked box.
  
  

Report Missing Credit Cards

• Don't hesitate to report missing credit cards. A person can swipe your credit cards and go on an immediate shopping spree, potentially leaving you with thousands of dollars in debt. Also, checking your account statements thoroughly can help you identity problems. Contact your credit card company immediately if you're unable to locate your cards, or if you detect unfamiliar charges on your bill. Ask them to cancel the old card and issue a new card with a new number.
  
  

Shred Documents

• Tossing credit card statements in the garbage after paying the bill increases the risk of having your personal information stolen. Someone can easily go through your garbage can or dumpster and pull out these statements, which include the account number for your credit cards. Purchasing a paper shredder and cutting documents beyond recognition is a safer way to discard credit card statements.