Credit Cards are a convenient payment method, although they do carry risks. Credit and charge card fraud costs cardholders and issuers hundreds of millions of dollars each year. While theft is the most obvious form of credit and charge card fraud, it is not the only way fraud occurs. A more subtle form of fraud is misappropriation. The use of your card number (not the card itself) without your permission. Misappropriation may occur in a variety of ways. Examples are:
    
    
     * A phone caller says that you need only provide your card number and its expiration date to qualify for a special discount vacation
    
     * A thief rifles through trash to find discarded receipts or carbons to use the card numbers illegally
    
     * A dishonest clerk makes an extra imprint from your credit or charge card for his or her personal use

Related keywords:
   Credit Card Fraud
   Credit Card Scamming