• Intercept data as you transfer it over the Internet.
• Watch over your shoulder as you make calls with a card.
• Watch you as you work on public Internet computers.

Protect yourself

• Share as little personal information with companies as possible.
• Ask how your personal information will be used, who will share it and how it will be protected.
• Don't give out your credit card number unless you initiated the contact with a company and know that the method of communication is secure. Pay attention to your billing cycles and notify creditors immediately if your identification or credit cards are lost or stolen.
• Use digital signatures and data encryption on the Internet. Make sure the site is secure, usually indicated by a lock icon at the bottom of the page.
• Check your credit report from all three credit bureaus at least once a year.
• Choose difficult passwords and change them often. Don't carry them with you.
• Shred personal financial information such as statements, credit card offers, receipts, insurance forms, etc. before throwing them away.