Victims of credit card fraud can tell you just how traumatic it can be. It's not just the potential money loss, it can also leave a bad mark on your credit report that can take years to sort out.

Most people think that credit card fraud is when your wallet or purse is stolen, and the thief uses your credit cards to buy all sorts of goods and services.

However, the number of purchases made online is growing at an incredible rate and so is the theft or misappropriation of people's credit card details. All the thief needs to cause havoc to your account is your credit card details, number, expiry date, name and security code.

Here are a few ways that a thief can get your details with appropriate prevention tips:

* You get a phone call where the person on the line tells you about a special offer usually needing a fast response and your credit card details to make the purchase.

Tip #1 - Never give out your credit card details to people who call to sell to you. Only provide it when you call a company to place a phone order and when you are sure that you are dealing with well-established reputable business.

* You find out that someone has gone through the trash bags you left outside for the trash pick-up. Several days later you get your credit card statement and there are lots of purchases you knew nothing about.

Tip #2 - Invest in a shredder! Make sure you completely destroy your credit card receipts and bank statements before throwing them out. Thieves do go through trash bags looking for your statements and other details of your identity.

* You have a meal in a restaurant and use your credit card to pay for your bill. Your next credit card statement shows unauthorized charges dating from the time you had the meal. When you paid, the waiter made an extra imprint of your card when processing your bill, and then used the details to make internet purchases.

Tip #3 - Make sure that you watch the waiter when he processes your bill and make sure that he knows you are watching. If he takes your card, insist that you go with him to the pay station to complete the transaction.

So, what other measures can you take to stop you being a victim of credit card fraud? Here are some more tips:

Tip #4 - If possible, do not carry your credit cards in your purse or wallet. If the worst happens and your wallet is stolen, you will not lose both your credit cards and your cash.

Tip #5 - Only take the credit card that you are going to use that day - leave the others at home in a safe place.

Tip #6 - Make a list of all your credit card details and issuer contact details. The sooner you can report any loss the less damage can be done and your accounts can be frozen until new cards are issued.

Tip #7 - Never ever sign a blank receipt. Cross out any blank lines for tips on the receipt so that charges cannot be added. Always check your receipt befor you sign.

Tip #8 - If you are buying goods online make sure that you do so via a secure site.

Tip #9 - If you move house, let your credit card issuer know the new address as soon as possible. Thieves make it their business to know what is happening in the neighbourhood and will check mailboxes at empty houses hoping to pick up letters with bank, credit card and identity details.

Tip #10 - Spam email is an increasing problem. You may recieve messages that appear to be from your bank, Ebay or Paypal asking for you to update your bank and credit card details. These emails look real. Never provide details when asked to by email. Always log in to the link provided by your bank or payment processor to make any amendments to your details.

So there you have it.......Follow the tips above to reduce your chances of becoming a victim of credit card fraud!