The Secret Service estimates hundreds of thousands of DSW customers had their credit card information stolen from the store's computer database. The shoe retailer had two stores here in the metro area.

Crooks managed to break into a database that served 103 of the chain's 175 stores. DSW says it was alerted by a credit card company of the breach after it noticed suspicious activity.

What can you do to protect yourself in a case like this?
We checked with the head of our local Better Business Bureau, Tom Gallagher who says you should:

• check all of your monthly statements, that includes credit card statement for any odd or outrageous charges, perhaps even double charges for the same item.
• check your monthly checking statement from your bank...look for odd deductions or amounts.
• check your own credit history report. As part of the new Federal Credit Reporting Act, you can get a yearly free copy, but here in Virginia, we're not eligible until September.

There are three companies from which you can request your free credit history.
For more information, go to http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/credit/freereports.htm