Typically, a credit report contains personal identifying information, a credit summary, account information, inquiries, collections and public records.

FORBES: Magazine Article

The centers allow authorities to tap thousands of law-enforcement data sources, along with public data such as information from credit agencies, said Mr. Sena.

WSJ: Citizen Surveillance Helps Officials Put Pieces Together

The company says quite plainly in a letter sent to cardmembers that it plans to sell or share your name, address, phone number, purchase history, information from surveys, data from your credit report, and unspecified "noncredit information available from public sources" to its affiliates, licensees, subsidiaries, and outside bidders.

CNN: How to fight privacy looters

And they should avoid transmitting sensitive information, such as work documents or credit card details, over public Wi-Fi spots.

CNN: Cyber criminals target travelers