Consumers worry needlessly when it comes to identity theft and their credit cards. Sure, there is a chance that your credit card could be misused, but you can take the steps necessary to protect your credit card from identity thieves. Read on and we shall explore some helpful tips to protect your plastic every time that you use it.

If you patronize a retailer and they still use carbon copies to make their credit card receipts, always make certain that you leave the store with the carbon as well your copy. Do not dispose of this stuff in the trash. Take it home and shred it. You do have a shredder, don't you?

Most retailers have switched to a new form of receipt: you get a copy of a receipt with your information printed on it while a signed copy of the receipt goes back to the retailer. No carbon paper is used, minimizing the chance that your personal information will fall into the wrong hands.

When shopping online, always patronize secure sites when placing your order. This means that the site will have an ?s? after http in the web address and you should be able to view a closed lock in the lower right hand corner of your screen. All of your information is transferred securely online and away from the prying eyes of thieves. Never disclose your social security number to a retailer or to anyone over the phone. The last four digits of your social security number is fine to reveal, but only to those people needing that information.

Be careful when using an online pay site such as Paypal. While there method of protecting consumers has improved over time, thieves will sometimes purport to be with Paypal and send to you a letter warning you that your account will be closed unless you take immediate action. This action means clicking on a link not associated with Paypal and being redirected to a site where you will be asked for plenty of personal information including your social security number, address, bank account information, etc. Just to let you know, Paypal never threatens to close an account via email.

Being wise with your personal information is the first step to avoiding identity theft problems later on. You don't have to live in fear, but you can take sensible steps to avoid problems later on. If in doubt, then don't proceed with a transaction involving your credit card.