Credit card fraud is a constant source of worry nowadays and being stuck without your plastic, even if its only for a few days can be really frustrating if you are one of those people that relies on their credit card for everyday transactions.

The reason why credit card fraud is such a popular crime however is because we make it easy for the criminals to steal our information. Not me you might say but have you never let your credit card out of your sight (in a restaurant perhaps), or thrown away an old statement, written down that pin number and left it in the same wallet as your card?

Dont worry, youre not alone. Thats why credit card fraud is so popular. Criminals will always choose to steal from the easiest places they can find to get the most money and taking the lowest risk. Your credit card, if you dont look after it properly, gives them that opportunity.

So lets see about minimising the risks. Follow these simple tips and your risk of becoming another crime statistic will reduce significantly:

- Always keep your credit cards in a safe place and never in the same place as any other documents to do with your cards.

- When out shopping, never let the cards leave your sight when buying something.

- Never throw away your credit card receipts or statements intact. Preferably you should shred them. If you dont have a shredder, rip them into tiny pieces before throwing them out.

- Never write down your PIN number (and if you really must) never, ever keep it anywhere near your credit card.

- Dont wait. If you think youve lost a credit card, report it to your issuer immediately.

- Never give out your PIN number to anyone, even if they claim to be from your bank, building society or the Police. None of these people would ask you to reveal this information legitimately.

- When you receive a new credit card, sign the back immediately.

- Old credit cards should be destroyed before you throw them out by cutting through the magnetic strip. Obviously shredding is the ideal option.

- You should receive a new credit card just before the expiry date of your old one. If you dont ring your bank to find out why.

All these tips are really just about being more aware of your financially sensitive documents and cards and handling them accordingly. Home Shredders are widely available nowadays and dont need to be expensive are could provide you with that little extra piece of mind that youre doing all you can to stop yourself becoming a victim of fraud.

However you choose to dispose of your old credit cards and financial documents, remember that if you can read it as it goes into the bin then so can a criminal that picks it out later.