Credit card crimes are on the rise. Much of the surge in credit card fraud is attributed to the growing popularity of credit cards as methods of payment. Criminals are also increasingly taking advantage of the popularity of online purchasing.

In one recent case, professional DJ Mikko Mattlar, who uses his credit card for buying records over the internet, had found that he had been charged for plane tickets from Switzerland to Moldova.

Mattlar says that last year alone, his credit card information was stolen twice. He suspects that the information was stolen in connection with his record purchases.

Card security expert Henry Kylänlahti, of the credit card payment service company Luottokunta, advises consumers to use their credit cards for online payments only on reputable and familiar websites.

Credit card fraud is also increasing outside the world of the Internet. Kylänlahti advises consumers make sure that nobody can see their PIN codes when making a card payment or withdrawing cash from an ATM.