Can you Prevent Hackers From Stealing your Credit Card Numbers? [AUDIO]

The latest take-down of an organized crime ring that hacked their way into the websites of numerous major corporations, and then stole millions of credit and debit card numbers, is a reminder of how unsafe the internet can be.

Paul Fishman, the U.S. Attorney for New Jersey says, to some extent, we're all dependent on the security of banks and credit card companies.

"Everything you do should be password protected- your password should be complicated, they shouldn't be the same, they shouldn't be stored in the same place, and they shouldn't be stored on your computer."

He points out even though it's becoming increasingly difficult to make sure your charge card information isn't swiped.

"You're not responsible as I understand it, if people hack your credit card number and charge stuff on your credit card- it's not on you. It's a real pain when that happens, and particularly if you've got automatic payments set up.

"You have to try to fix all that and undo that- that's annoying, but what's more dangerous is when people steal your identity entirely. It runs up all sorts of bills and then wreck your credit - this is a serious problem."

Fishman's recommendation is simple.

"People have to do what they can to be careful - they shouldn't freak out - the law protects them in lots of ways, but it is a problem about which we need to bring great public attention," he explained. "Everybody should look at their bank statement and their credit card statement every time it comes."