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Although generally, credit card fraud is on the rise, online credit card fraud (credit card fraud on the Internet) is rising even more dramatically. In fact, many savvy Internet shoppers know that the reality is that it's actually much safer to enter your credit card number on a secure online credit card order form than it is to give your credit card, let's say, to a waiter at a restaurant. After all, what's to stop the waiter from writing down your credit card number and placing orders on the phone with it later? Nothing.

Research shows that the rate of credit card fraud purchases made by cell phones is much higher than online credit card fraud. Nevertheless, Guardian eCommerce Security encourages you to utilize credit card fraud prevention measures. Use caution when giving out any confidential information (i.e. credit card number), especially over the Internet or even over the phone. Consumer protection and credit card fraud prevention starts with you, the consumer. Guardian eCommerce Security provides consumers, especially the online consumer, with general consumer protection tips. The following are 20 consumer protection tips, specifically, online credit card fraud protection and prevention tips:

• Keep an eye on your credit card every time you use it, and make sure you get it back as quickly as possible.
• Be very careful to whom you give your credit card. Don't give out your account number over the phone unless you initiate the call and you know the company is reputable. Never give your credit card info out when you receive a phone call. (For example, if you're told there has been a 'computer problem' and the caller needs you to verify information, this is a typical scam.) Legitimate companies will not call you requesting credit card numbers over the phone.
• Never respond to emails that request you provide your credit card info via email, and don't ever respond to emails that ask you to go to a Web site to verify personal (and credit card) information. These are called 'phishing' scams, online credit card fraud in the making.
• Never provide your credit card information on a Web site that is not a secure site. To best provide yourself with online credit card fraud protection, conduct business with Web sites that only use SSL server technology, with 128 bit session encryption (minimum) for best credit card information encryption.
• Sign your credit cards as soon as you receive them.
• Shred and destroy all credit card applications you receive.
• Don't write your PIN number on your credit card or have it anywhere near your credit card (in the event that your wallet or purse gets stolen).
• Never leave your credit cards or receipts lying around.
• Shield your credit card number so that others around you can't copy it or capture it on a cell phone or other camera.
• Keep a list in a secure place with all of your account numbers and expiration dates, as well as the phone number and address of each bank that has issued you a credit card. Keep this list updated each time you get a new credit card.
• Only carry around credit cards that you absolutely need. Don't carry around extra credit cards that you rarely use.
• Open credit card bills promptly and make sure there are no bogus charges. Treat your credit card bill like your checking account - reconcile it monthly. Save your receipts so you can compare them with your monthly bills.
• If you find any charges that you don't have a receipt for or that you don't recognize -- report these charges promptly (and in writing) to the credit card issuer.
• Always void and destroy incorrect receipts.
• Shred anything with your credit card number written on it.
• Never sign a blank credit card receipt. Carefully draw a line through blank portions of the receipt where additional charges could be fraudulently added.
• Never write your credit card account number in a public place (such as on a postcard or so that it shows through the envelope payment window).
• Ideally, it's a good idea to carry your credit cards separately from your wallet -- perhaps in a zippered compartment or a small pouch.
• Never lend a credit card to anyone else.
• If you move, notify your credit card issuers in advance of your change of address.

If your credit cards are lost or stolen, implement an action plan to avoid potential online credit card fraud victimizing you! Contact the credit card issuer(s) immediately. Most credit card companies have toll-free numbers and 24-hour service to deal with these emergencies, they are JUST AS eager to avoid online credit card fraud as you are! According to most North American laws, once you have reported the loss or theft of your credit card, you have no more responsibility for unauthorized charges. Further, your maximum liability under federal law is $50 per credit card (US) and many credit card issuers will even waive that fee for good customers. If you find bogus charges on your credit card bill, the SAME credit card fraud prevention ACTION PLAN applies. Any bogus charges on your credit card bill should be reported to the police immediately. If you follow all these tips, it will go a long way in credit card fraud prevention for yourself.

If you suspect online credit card fraud, contact Guardian eCommerce and tell us! As well, we urge online consumers worldwide to report online credit card fraud always. Help rid the Internet of credit card fraud. Finally, we ask all Guardian eCommerce supporters to post their Internet fraud incident on the Guardian eCommerce Forum. Help other avoid Internet fraud.