Although credit card fraud is certainly on the rise - and credit card fraud on the Internet is rising even more dramatically - many savvy Internet shopper's know that the reality is that it's actually much easier to entery your credit card number on a secure online order form than it is to give your credit card 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?

Research shows that the rate of fraudulent purchases made by cell phones is much higher than credit card fraud on the Net.

Nevertheless, we encourage you to take precautions when giving out any confidential information (including your credit card number) over the Internet, over the phone, or anywhere else for that matter.

Always use common sense - it is the BEST RULE!

We've created 21 tips to protect yourself from credit card fraud - which you'll find below. A strong recommendation is to protection for yourself if your personal identity should ever be compromised. Look into getting a Identity Theft Protection Plan. You will find that they are very affordable and will help to eliminate the stress in you life if you should ever become a victim of Identity Theft.

21 Credit Card Fraud Prevention Tips:

1. Keep an eye on your credit card every time you use it, and make sure you get it back as quickly as possible. Try not to let your credit card out of your sight whenever possible.

2. 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 information 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). Legitimate companies don't call for a credit card number over the phone.

3. Never respond to emails that request you provide your credit card information via email - and don't ever respond to emails that ask you to go to a website to verify personal or credit card information. These are called "phishing" scams.

4. Never provide your credit card information on a website that is not a secured site.

5. Sign your credit cards as soon as you receive them.

6. Shred all credit card applications you receive.

7. Don't write your PIN number on your credit card - or have it anywhere near your credit card, especially in the event that your wallet gets stolen.

8. Never leave your credit cards or receipts lying around.

9. Shield your credit card number so that others around you can't copy it or capture it on a cell phone or other camera.

10. 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.

11. Only carry around credit cards that you absolutely need. Don't carry around extra credit cards that you rarely use.

12. 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.

13. If you find charges that you don't have receipts for - or that you don't recoginze - report these charges promptly (and in writing) to the credit card issuer.

14. Always VOID and DESTROY incorrect receipts.

15. Shred anything with your credit card number written on it.

16. Never sign a blank credit card receipt. Carefully draw a line through blank portions on the receipt where additional charges could be fraudulently added.

17. Carbon paper is rarely used these days, but if there is a carbon copy that is used in a credit card transaction, destroy it immediately.

18. Never write your credit card account number in a public place (such as on a postcard or statement so that it shows through the envelope payment window.

19. Ideally, it is a good idea to carry your credit cards separately from your wallet - perhaps in a zippered compartment or a small pouch.

20. Never lend a credit card to anyone else, even family members.

21. If you move, notify your credit card issuers in advance or your change in address.

What To Do If You Suspect Credit Card Fraud!

If your credit cards are lost or stolen, contact the issuer(s) immediately. Most credit card companies have toll-free numbers and 24-hour service to deal with these emergencies - they are eager to avoid credit card fraud. According to U.S. law, once you have reported the loss or theft of your credit card, you have no more responsiblity for unauthorized charges. Further, your maximum liability under ferderal U.S. law is $50 per credit card. Many credit card issuers will even waive that fee for good customers. If you follow all these tips, it will go a long way in protecting your from credit card fraud.

Prepare yourself ahead of time should you, or a family member, ever become a victim of IDENTITY THEFT!