If you're going on vacation, Ken Baebel, also from the Division of Compliance and Consumer Affairs, recommends taking along a list of the toll-free telephone numbers for your banking and credit card companies not your card numbers and keeping the list in a safe place other than your wallet. If someone steals your wallet, you'll probably notice that right away. But if someone steals a list of card numbers from your suitcase, you might not be so quick to realize that, and that just gives the thief more time to run up fraudulent charges. You'll only find out about the problem when the collection notices arrive at your address. Also try not to provide personal information when using a check or plastic for purchases at a cash register.
Many states even prohibit merchants from requiring personal details.
Don't just toss away those credit card applications you receive in the mail and don't intend to apply for. Shred them as best you can. Also, if you don't want to receive unsolicited credit card applications in the mail, by law you can demand that your name be removed from the marketing lists that credit bureaus sell to credit grantors looking for new customers. Review your credit card bills and your checking account statements as soon as they arrive, to ensure that no fraudulent activity is taking place. Also make sure you get a statement from your creditors every month.