From major retailers like Target to restaurant chains like P.F. Changs, there have been many credit and debit card data breaches lately. Some of the data breaches were the result of poor security, while others were  found to be internal criminal activity  No matter what the cause, data breaches put millions of consumers at risk by exposing confidential credit and debit card, or  other personal information about unsuspecting consumers.

No matter how you choose to use your financial cards, whether online, by phone, or in a retail establishment, it is important to exercise caution and take steps to protect the cards in your wallet. Some proactive measures now can prevent identity theft later.

Opt for Credit

You can shop with either a debit or credit card, but credit cards provide greater protections for consumers. If you use a credit card and the number is stolen, your liability is limited to a maximum of $50. In most cases the credit card issuer will waive even that small amount. Use your debit card as a credit card when possible, so you do not also expose your PIN number to fraud activity which would allow for cash to be taken from your account via an ATM.

Using your bank card as debit, can be risky, since the money comes out of your checking account right away. This can make recovering the funds more difficult and put your finances at risk until the fraud investigation has been completed. If you have a choice, opt for the extra protection a credit card provides.

Keep an Eye on Your Card

Keeping your card within eyesight is one of the best ways to protect yourself. Watch carefully as the clerk or server scans your card, and speak up if anything looks suspicious. Criminals have been known to use skimmers to steal credit and debit card information. Skimmers read the information from the card with a single swipe, and they can be used to duplicate cards and run up some very big charges.

You may not be able to avoid leaving your credit card out of your sight at restaurants, but you should read the receipt carefully. Dishonest servers can inflate tips and make unauthorized charges on customer cards. Keeping a close eye on the receipt and comparing the amounts on your statement are the best ways to protect yourself.

Don’t Store Credit Card Numbers Online

Some online retailers try to make your life easier by offering to store your credit card information for the next order. While that may be convenient, it can also be dangerous if their customer database is breached.

You have no control over the security of the online retailer and their internal databases , so it is best bet not to store your credit card or any other personal information there. You may need to enter your credit card information several times, but that is a small price to pay for data security.

You may not be able to prevent the next security breach, but you can take steps to protect yourself and your identity. Given the current level of security and the increasing sophistication of hackers and criminals, the next data breach is just a matter of time. The preparations you make now can mean the difference between becoming a victim and using your card safely.

Then again, the safest way to pay can always be by using personal checks. You know exactly what amount you are writing it for, and you have the security of the cancelled check if ever needed for any discrepancy. Plus by adding additional security services like Check Fraud protection to your checks, , you can have your greatest peace of mind regarding your checking account and all of your funds.

You can find Check Fraud protection at check companies like www.BradfordExchangeChecks.com.