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Anyone who uses a credit card can fall victim to a “skimmer” if they’re not careful. While the Department is taking steps to combat skimmers on fueling devices, they can be installed on any device that is used for a credit or debit card transaction.

Here are some steps that a careful consumer should consider:

• While the vast majority of Arizona restaurants take steps to protect their customers, some credit card thieves recruit restaurant servers who secretly record your credit card data when you charge a meal. Whenever possible, consider bringing the check to the cashier yourself.

• Check your credit card statements regularly, and report any discrepancies immediately. The Truth in Lending Act limits consumer liability to $50 once a credit card is reported lost or stolen. Some issuers may waive the $50 fee.

• Debit cards fall under a different law, the Electronic Fund Transfer Act. Liability is limited to $50 if you notify your financial institution within two business days of discovering that your debit card was lost or stolen. If you wait more than two business days, but notify your bank within 60 days of the date your statement is mailed, you could lose up to $500. Wait longer than that, and you could lose all the money in your account.

• If someone used your credit without your knowledge, contact the companies in question. Be sure to put complaints in writing.

• Also contact the three major credit bureaus: Equifax: (800) 525-6285; Experian: (888) 397-3742; and Trans Union: (800) 680-7289, if you discover fraudulent activity.

• Contact the Federal Trade Commission: (877) 438-4338. While federal investigators only tend to pursue larger, more sophisticated fraud cases, they do monitor identity theft crimes of all levels with the hope of discovering patterns and breaking up larger rings. Fill out the ID Theft Affidavit at the FTC's Web site, make copies and send to creditors. The agency also has an online complaint form.

• Alert the police. Fill out a police report, and consider signing a written affidavit verifying that unauthorized transactions on your account are fraudulent. Send copies to creditors and credit bureaus as proof of the crime.

• Most skimmers don’t capture PIN numbers. Whenever possible, use a card that requires a pin number.