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Christmas is getting closer and anyone brave enough to venture onto their High Street is likely to be overwhelmed by the sheer number of shoppers there are. And that's if you can manage to park the car in the first place! Unfortunately, shoppers aren't the only people that Christmas draws out -- thieves are never far behind, often just waiting to take advantage of frazzled nerves and distracted buyers. So in a bid to help us guard against fraudsters, here are The UK's Fraud Prevention Service's (CIFAS) top ten tips. 1. Only take the cards you need out with you when shopping If your purse/wallet is stolen whilst out shopping the fraudster will have plenty of information to impersonate you. Only take out the cards you need and leave your identity documents at home. 2. Don't give away your personal details If you are asked for your personal details i.e. name and address, date of birth, mother's maiden name, ask why the details are required. For routine transactions, this level of information is not required nor would you be asked for all of these details in an unsolicited telephone call. 3. Be prepared Know the contact details for your bank and card issuers so that if a card is lost or stolen you can notify the lender immediately. Also be aware of who you should contact if you lose your driving licence or passport and only carry them if you need them -- remember they have your address on them which could be very useful to a fraudster. 4. Keep track of what you spend Keep receipts or print outs from purchases made in stores or online and check them against your statement. 5. Shield your PIN Whether using a cash machine or paying at a till, shield your PIN at all times, and be wary of anyone standing close to you. Don't be tempted to write your PIN down or store it on your mobile phone. Your PIN is for use in the real world and is not required on-line. Be suspicious if you are asked for it on-line. 6. Protect your passwords Wherever possible, avoid disclosing your mother's maiden name or using it as a password -- it may be easily discovered -- use another word. Also never disclose or write down your passwords. 7. Ask for Privacy when applying for store cards When applying for store cards your personal details are often relayed over the telephone to the finance company. Ask the salesperson to use a phone where their conversation cannot be overheard. Better still, don't apply for these expensive cards in the first place! 8. Be aware that your post is valuable in the wrong hands As much as it would be nice to ignore bills at Christmas if you don't receive a bank statement, credit card statement, utility bill or any other financial document notify the issuer immediately. There is always a chance your post is being intercepted. 9. Keep your home secure Whether you are at home or visiting friends or relatives ensure your home is kept secure when you are not there. Ensure your personal documents are stored securely and not necessarily all together. 10. Being aware is not just for Christmas -- it's for life Even when Christmas is over the above tips are still relevant. Identity Theft goes on throughout the year, not just a holiday periods. So follow the tips above and keep your identity out of the hands of the fraudsters - and have a hassle-free Christmas! > Get a free copy of your credit report today!