How easy is it to steal credit cards?

It depends on where and how you use it. First of all, never e-mail your credit card number (unless you're using sophisticated encryption) or enter your credit card number on a Web page that is not secure. You can tell whether you're on a secure Web site by checking to see if the URL starts off https:// instead of http://.

If you're on a secure Web site you can be fairly confident that you are giving your credit card to the individual or business running the Web site and nobody else. In fact, it's probably more secure than giving it over your telephone. That said, you should always be careful who you give your credit card number to. If you were buying a "Rolex" on the street in New York City would you hand the guy your credit card to pay for it? You have to be sure you trust that person.