Identity theft is a crime that is growing more rapidly than any other type of illegal activity in America today. According to the Federal Trade Commission, one in every ten people will fall victim to identity theft this year. One form of this crime is known as credit card skimming. This is a way for identity thieves to get your credit card information and keep it on a storage device to be utilized later for fraudulent purposes.

An identity theft has to simply swipe the card through the skimmer, like when you swipe it through the machine at the local store. It takes a small amount of technology and all of the items that are needed to make a skimmer are available at radio shack or the internet. The criminals will utilize the information themselves or sell it to other criminals all over the country, or even the world.

This crime can happen anywhere that you can use your credit or debit card. Examples include retail stores, gas pumps, ATMs, basically anywhere you can swipe a card. A bar or restaurant is most likely the easiest place for skimming to happen because you will hand someone your card and lose sight of it for a period of time.

There are a few simple precautions that one can take to avoid credit card skimming. First, only use your credit or debit card in environments that you are comfortable and familiar with. Be aware of your surroundings.

Utilize cash more often than credit cards. Check out the machine you are using. If it doesn't look right don't take the chance. And most importantly, treat your credit card like it is gold! Finally, check your accounts on a daily basis.

If you are a victim to a fraudulent charge it is suggested that you let law enforcement know and close up your accounts before the activity gets out of control. It can be helpful to law enforcement if the first point of credit card skimming can be located. Investigations like these have the capacity to be lengthy and usually involve several states and jurisdictions. The sooner you can catch the fraudulent activity, the better.