Police: Stolen credit card used 83 times

ST. PETERSBURG (FOX 13) - Hold on to your credit cards. There is probably a thief nearby just waiting to grab it.

St. Petersburg police are looking for a man who used a stolen credit card 83 times. Investigators say he may or may not be the person who stole it from a car parked near the St. Pete Pier a few weeks ago.  The thief shattered the car window, grabbed a purse, and took off.

They are asking anyone who knows or has seen the man in the surveillance footage to call them.

Experts say if your card gets stolen, it is critical to report it to the card issuer immediately.

If you report a missing card before someone else uses it, you will probably not be responsible for any charges.  If someone uses it before you report it, you could be responsible for paying up to $50.

Here are some tips how to reduce the chance of your card getting ripped off in the first place:

- Only carry the credit cards with you that you plan to use. Leave others in a safe spot at home.

- Check periodically to make sure you have all your cards.

- Make sure your cards fit snugly into your wallet or card holder.

- Keep track of your wallet or purse.

- Create a contact list with the names and numbers of your card issuers, so you can call them right away if your card comes up missing.