As a former retail manager, I have experience dealing with situations involving stolen credit cards ("Two arrested on stolen credit card charges," Feb. 8).

It is important to protect yourself. On the back of the card, in the signature line, write "see ID" next to your signature, as merchants are required to do so to verify the identity of the card holder. Many banks recommend you not sign the back of your card so the merchant is forced to ask, but this also puts yourself at incredible risk. Someone can take your unsigned credit card, sign your name and when the signatures match, the merchant doesn't have reason to believe that it is fraudulent. If a merchant doesn't ask you for ID as requested on the back of your card, point it out to them. Not only are you helping them protect their business, you are safeguarding yourself.