Credit Card Thieves Donating To Charities

According to Newsday.com, some credit card thieves are using the credit cards to donate to charities. But, their intentions aren't so pure. The real reason credit card thieves give donations is to verify that the stolen credit card numbers are indeed valid.

It's getting more and more difficult to keep your credit card information safe, with airline attendants and even waiters stealing credit card information right under your nose.

What can you do to protect your credit card number?

• Don't let your credit card out of your sight.
• Look for the security certificate (a picture of a lock) when you enter your credit card information on the internet.
• Don't use anyone else's computer to make credit card purchases.
• Check your online account information at least once a week for early detection of fraudulent activity.

Report unauthorized transactions to your card issuer as quickly as possible, even donations to charities.