By IDTheftAuthority.com

There are many different ways fraudsters are trying to steal your credit card data, but there are some simple measures you can take to help prevent your credit card information from getting stolen. You do have rights as a credit card holder, but when it comes down to it, it’s up to you to keep your information safe. It’s also essential that you understand some of your rights so you can exercise those rights immediately after you learn about suspicious activity on your card.

Follow these 5 simple steps to help prevent credit card fraud:

Step 1: Put Your Cards in a Safe Spot.

Similar tocash and your ID, be sure that you know where your credit cards are all the time. It’s a good idea to carry your cards separate from your wallet so thieves won’t have any way to steal money from you should your wallet get stolen.

Step 2: If You Lose Your Credit Card or It Gets Stolen, Make Sure You Contact Your Credit Card Company Right Away.

If your card is reported stolen, federal law states that you are not liable for further charges made on your card.

• Your card company should cancel your card right after you report it, and can only hold you legally responsible for a maximum amount of $50 for each card you report lost or stolen.

• It’s safe to say that a lot of card companies have automated fraud reporting lines open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

• If a store you recently made a purchase at notifies you of a data breach, then don’t wait to contact your card company and ask that a replacement card get issued to you right away.

• If you’re wallet is stolen, contact your local law enforcement and any other related agencies or companies directly after it happens.

Step 3: Don’t Travel With Card You Won’t Be Using.

If you’re going on a holiday, leave cards you won’t be using in a safe place in your home or in a safety deposit box. This will help decrease the odds of them being lost or getting stolen.

Step 4: If You’re Moving or Traveling Overseas, Advise Your Card Company.

Almost every card company will automatically put a block on your card if they notice unusual activity on it. If your card company knows where you are, they can stop your card from getting hacked, and this could help prevent you from not having access to your money while traveling abroad.

Step 5: Keep Your Eyes on Your Card at All Times.

Don’t take your eyes off a clerk or an employee who is trying to run your card. Also, you shouldn’t let them walk away with your card either. If the clerk has an issue with your card not going through, be sure he or she returns your card right before they walk away. Don’t ever sign a blank receipt and put lines on any blank spaces before signing so nothing else can be added your total after you’ve signed your receipt.

Visit the ID Theft Authority at http://www.idtheftauthority.com/types/credit-card-theft/ to understand other ways your credit card can be compromised and possibly prevented.