Many of us use credit cards everyday. Criminals have now learned how to charge your cards without them ever leaving your sight. It's a lesson many consumers are learning the hard way.

Thieves used a device to steal or invade Olivia Flowers credit card information, open new bank accounts and then go on a buying spree.

"The devices now are really small, they can be held in your hand.. and it can be done quite easily," said Paul Krenn, a US Postal Inspector.

Olivia went shopping for a new car and got her first hints that someone skimmed her credit card.
Thieves destroyed her credit.

"He told me that my credit score was really low. And he told me… he actually gave me the printout," said Olivia Flower, card skimming victim.

Postal inspectors are warning credit and debit card skimming is on the rise, especially in fast food restaurants and gas stations, and its profitable. In a bust in Puerto Rico postal inspectors seized weapons and big ticket items.

"There were $90-thousand worth of postal money orders which were purchased using the fraudulent debit cards," said Flowers.

Credit card companies know that skimmers are targeting their customers, but it's not always easy to reclaim your good name.

"Because the credit agency is asking you to prove that you didn't actually do it," said Flowers.

Don't fall victim to credit card skimmers. Always check your receipts after each purchase you make. Be sure to check your credit statement at the end of each billing cycle. If you notice an unusual charges on your credit cards, notify your credit card company immediately.

"Because its my money, and I work hard for my money and I would be all over it. A few cents, they add up to," said Flowers.