Check these statements and if you see some bogus or questionable transactions, report it quickly to your card companies. If you are moving to a new place, notify your bank and credit card company in advance so that your monthly statements will not fall to the wrong hands. When shopping online, make sure that you are dealing only with secure web sites.



Also, ignore e-mails which ask you to provide your credit card number. Never give your card number and other important information over the phone unless you are really sure that you are talking to a reputable company. It is also a good idea to regularly check your credit files to prevent identity fraud.



Your credit card and ATM card are personal properties, thus do not share or lend them to anyone, even to your relatives and friends. If your card is lost or stolen, report it immediately to your card companies so that they can quickly block the card. Most credit card companies and banks now have 24-hour hotlines which deals with such situations. Once you have already reported the theft or loss, you have no more responsibility just in case your cards are used in fraudulent activities.