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When was the last time you checked your credit card statement? That's the question for thousands of customers whose names and credit cards are in the hands of a thief. All he had to do to get it was steal a computer.

You've heard about the big security breaches -- ChoicePoint last year, also Bank of America, the VA. It also happens to smaller business where you may shop. Whether it's in line or online, credit card purchases are so frequent security is an afterthought.

John Mark, Salt Lake City Resident: "I don't have any concerns about security."

But all that information is stored in a database. It's easy one-stop shopping for crooks.

Michael Scott, Utah Attorney General's office: "It takes a long time to go through a million people's garbage cans, doesn't take long to find it on a lap top."

It happened to Wine Racks America out of North Salt Lake City. Ten thousand customers were recently notified after a computer was stolen. The business owner was able to access the computer through the internet.

Sgt. Mitch Gwillian, North Salt Lake Police Dept.: "He was able to take control of the computer and manage some of the info and get files off the computer of his customers that were potentially damaging."

Police say that will help, but his customers are not one hundred percent secure.

Michael Scott: "Because that information can be lost and the thieves may not act on it right away. You can have the information lost and you are hanging around and waiting for something else to happen."

How secure do you feel providing credit card information? A Survey USA poll for Eyewitness News shows only 11 percent of those asked feel very secure about providing credit card information during a purchase. Seventy percent are somewhat sure and nineteen percent are not sure at all.

Also, 16 % of those polled have been victims of identity theft. Police are also using the IP address provided by the business owner to track down the thief. They say they have solid leads.

We asked people in the same poll and fewer than half feel like they know what to do to protect themselves. So we surveyed several information sites and here are the most common tips:

-Keep an eye on your card during transactions and make sure you get it back.
-Open your bills promptly and check the charges, just as you would your checking account.
-And shred all of the credit card applications that fill your mailbox.

# posted by AnthonyCharles : 3:46 AM