Where does credit card fraud take place?

Most people think that credit card fraud takes place online, usually when making on online purchase.  Surprisingly, this was one of the last sources of credit card fraud, according to the Javelin Strategy & Research 2007 Identity Fraud Survey.

Among the ways personal information is obtained:

38% — From lost or stolen wallet, checks or credit cards

15% — From friends or acquaintances

15% — From a retail purchase-credit transaction

9% — From stolen paper mail

8% — From computer viruses or hackers

4% — From phony e-mails

4% — From online purchases

Given this information, the best way to protect yourself from credit card fraud is to limit the number of credit cards you carry in your purse or wallet.  For more tips on avoiding credit card fraud check out Avoiding Identity Theft.  Also, learn what to do if you become a victim.

Source: Javelin Strategy & Research 2007 Identity Fraud Survey ( www.javelinstrategy.com)