To protect yourself against having your credit card information stolen or used, don’t use your PIN for your debit card, but sign for it instead by selecting the credit card option. Use other ways to pay, such as PayPal, or even better, cash. Check your credit card statements carefully. Crooks often will charge a small payment to see if you notice, and then charge larger amounts. Check your credit reports for accounts that crooks may have opened in your name. You get a free credit report every year from each of the credit reporting agencies.