Avoiding credit fraud takes more vigilance than ever. Most of us take precautions, but here are ten ways you may not have considered that will help reduce your risk.

Know when to expect credit card bills. Perpetrators of credit fraud sometimes divert bills for a stolen account to a new address. If a credit card bill is late, call the company immediately to verify that no address change has been filed.

Add a fraud alert statement to your credit report. If you're willing to give up access to instant credit, ask Trans Union and Experian (formerly TRW) to add a statement to your credit report asking credit grantors not to approve new accounts without calling you first, so thieves can't open accounts in your name. (Equifax does not allow consumers to add statements unless they have been victimized.)

Routinely verify that you have all your cards. Even if your wallet hasn't been stolen, you might have inadvertently left a credit card behind somewhere, so it's important to check periodically and make sure none are missing.

Keep unnecessary personal information off credit card slips. Never allow a merchant to write your address or Social Security number on a credit card slip. It puts too much sensitive information in one place.

Try a clear, tiered card holder. One way to easily keep track of your credit cards: keep them in a see-through, tiered card holder, so you can immediately see if one is missing.

Beware 900-number card offers. If you receive a postcard or letter proclaiming that because of your good credit you're eligible for a low-rate credit card, and all you need to do to get it is call a 900-number, don't waste your time or your money. The 900-number call will be billed to you, and you will probably be asked to pay for what turns out to be a list of low rate cards you could have gotten for free on the Internet.

Keep credit card numbers off personal checks. Although a merchant may request a credit card as a form of ID, and may record the issuer of the card, you should never allow him or her to write your card number on your check. With just that one piece of paper a credit thief would have all the information necessary to begin stealing your credit identity.

Don't leave room for extra charges. When you sign a credit card slip, draw a line through any blank areas above the total. This prevents any fraudulent charges from being added after you sign.

Common sense is your best defense. If any offer—-for a credit card, a sweepstakes prize, a great deal on valuable merchandise—-sounds too good to be true, it is.

Check your credit report regularly. Credit fraud can take place without the victim ever knowing until collectors come knocking at the door. Check your credit report regularly to make sure no fraudulent activity has been conducted in your name.