Report lost or stolen credit cards immediately to the company that issued you the card. To help you respond quickly in case your cards or ID are lost or stolen, make a chart like this one. Be sure to store the list in a safe place. Never carry it with you. Print Chart

Sign your card on the signature panel as soon as you receive it.

Protect your cards as if they were cash – never let them out of your possession or control. Don’t leave your credit cards in your car’s glove compartment. A high percentage of credit card thefts are from car glove compartments. Don’t lend your cards or card numbers – credit, debit, or ATM – to anyone. You are responsible for their use. Don’t let your credit cards be used by others, even family or friends. Cut up and toss out old and canceled cards.

When shopping, make sure that you get your card back after every purchase. Check that sales vouchers are for the correct purchase amount before you sign them. Always keep copies of your sales vouchers and credit card receipts. Don’t volunteer any personal information when you use your credit card, other than by displaying personal identification as requested by a merchant.

To avoid fraud, monitor your accounts online – including when you’re away traveling. Some financial institutions offer tools and services to help you monitor and manage your accounts, such as email alerts, automatic payments, and online reports that track your spending into budget categories.

Keep your cards away from things with magnets, which can erase the information stored on the card.