Would you hand your credit card off to a complete stranger and let them walk off - as long as they gave you a polite "I'll be right back!" Probably not - Or would you? If you've ever pulled out your credit card to pay for a meal at a restaurant, that statement just described you.

Stop for a moment and think about it. Once the waiter steps away from the table do you really know what will happen to your credit credit card once it disappears from sight and the table?

Well it could happen to you!

Waiters from around the country representing approximately 40 restaurants took information from patrons then recorded their credit card data then took the information to spend and make purchases total about $3 million.

Identity theft is growing each and every day. When your information involving privacy and security come into play, don't let your guard down of give anyone the benefit of the doubt. If you must make a purchase with a credit or debt card and it must leave your sight - use cash!

Check and monitor you monthly statement when it arrives or go online to watch it and report immediately any suspicious activity to your creditor. Don't be a victim of identity theft.