To help prevent fraudulent use of your card, here are steps you should take.

• Sign new cards as soon as you receive them.
• Keep your card account numbers and personal identification number (PIN#) in a confidential place.
• Check your cards periodically to make sure none are missing.
• Destroy and dispose of copies of receipts, airline tickets, travel itineraries, anything that displays your card numbers.
• Memorize your PIN.
• Check out unfamiliar companies by calling your local consumer protection agency.
• Don't provide information that you're uncomfortable giving.
• NEVER give anyone the password that you use to log on to your online account or Internet Service Provider.
• Don't provide financial account information unless you are paying for a purchase using that account.

What to do if you suspect fraud

Call the bank or financial institution that issued your card immediately. Your issuer may want to cancel your current card and issue you a new one. Check with your issuer to verify that your mailing address has not been changed.

If you still have your card but fraudulent purchases have been made, call your issuer to report the fraud and request a new card.

Also, contact the credit bureaus to let them know that fraud has occurred. A "Fraud Alert" message will be placed on your file. You should also request a copy of your credit report and review it carefully.