TO avoid becoming victims of fraud, Christmas shoppers and revellers must play it safe with their credit cards, the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) has warned.

"This is a peak time for credit card fraud and consumers should be streetwise during the festive season," said ACCA's Head of Taxation, Chas Roy-Chowdhury.

Shoppers and revellers need to follow some common sense rules such as always keeping credit card receipts and then disposing of them carefully later on -- in some prosperous areas, thieves have taken to going through household rubbish.

Also, if you buy over the internet it is far safer to use a secure web site -- the site will tell you if this option is available. If you have any doubts about the business, check it out by telephone or do not buy.

Always take your credit card to the cash register in a shop or restaurant and do not let anyone out of sight with it. Finally never write down personal pin numbers.