If you make a claim about fraud on your credit card, the disputed charge is frozen and you can delay payment until your bank completes its investigation.

FORBES: Why You Should Never Use Debit Cards

Barclays, for instance, has good figures on fraud in its credit-card business, but until recently it kept no records on how many times its dealers have breached trading controls.

ECONOMIST: Risk management

Since his initial arrest on credit card fraud charges in December 2001, al-Marri -- a legal resident of the United States -- had remained in "virtual isolation in the brig, " his attorneys said.

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Since his initial arrest on credit card fraud charges in December 2001, al-Marri -- a legal resident of the United States -- has remained in "virtual isolation in the brig, " his attorneys said.

CNN: 'Enemy combatant' ruling goes administration's way

Now, in a survey of more than 600 small business owners and executives, the Ponemon Institute has tried to put a number on the cost of credit card account fraud for those vulnerable targets, comparing the damage with the cost of physical theft by employees or burglars.

FORBES: For Small Businesses, Account Fraud Adds Up

Victims are caught out by phone calls which suggest their credit or debit card needs replacing owing to fraud on their account.

BBC: Man on telephone

But precious resources would be freed that could be spent elsewhere, for instance in cracking down on the use of multiple identities to commit welfare and credit-card fraud.

ECONOMIST: Counter-terrorism

On the flip side, using credit cards abroad can mean additional fees and heightened concerns about credit card fraud.

BBC: How credit card-friendly is your next destination?