Types of credit card fraud in the order of their frequency are stolen card use, lost card use, the diversion of cards sent through the mail, and counterfeit cards. Stolen card use includes using card information illegally obtained to make transactions. A common technique is to obtain card information from card carbons discarded by retail establishments and then using the information to order merchandise by mail or phone. In manufacturing and issuing credit cards, blanks may be stolen prior to cards being embossed with account numbers and expiration dates. Cards may also be stolen from unattended wallets or handbags. Diversion of cards sent through the mail occurs when cards are issued on new accounts or when replacements are sent for expired cards. Counterfeiting or creating fraudulent cards may take several forms, including the embossing of stolen blanks, card alteration, and manufacturing facsimiles or white plastic frauds. Control measures are: advances in technology for producing cards, prudent risk-control measures for issuers and merchants, and measures consumers can take to protect themselves. 2 tables, 16 notes, 19 references.