How big a problem are credit card breaches in central Florida?

Thanks to technology, financial information is more at risk than ever.

Since we started reporting on data breaches like the one at Target and now Staples, we wanted to see just how big the problem is in central Florida.

News 96.5 pulled the numbers and asked what you can do to protect yourself.

It seems like every time we swipe our cards or enter our personal info online, we’re taking a gamble.

“It's the last thing you would expect, but it's pretty terrifying," said shopper Ally Roxburgh.

This year, personal information of several major stores' customers has been stolen.

This month, Staples confirmed its Ocala, Titusville, Apopka and Orlando stores were hit.

"I think it's pretty, pretty awful,” said shopper Corey McCastlain. “I mean, I wouldn't want my credit card info to be stolen and used like that."

In 2010, 318 cases were reported in Orange County. In 2014, the sheriff's office has already worked more than 600.

There are a few things you can do to help yourself, including monitoring your financial accounts online and not using weak or obvious passwords:

• Keep a record of your account numbers, their expiration dates and the phone number to report fraud for each company in a secure place.
• Don't lend your card to anyone — even your kids or roommates.
• Don't leave your cards, receipts, or statements around your home or office.
• When you no longer need them, shred them before throwing them away.
• Don't give your account number to anyone on the phone unless you've made the call to a company you know to be reputable.
• Carry cards separately from your wallet to minimize losses if someone steals your wallet or purse.
• Save your receipts to compare with your statement.
• Open your bills promptly — or check them online often — and reconcile them with the purchases you've made.
• Notify your card issuer if your address changes or if you will be traveling.

The shoppers we talked to said they’re buying gifts the old-fashioned way.

"That's pretty scary,” said shopper Ally Roxburgh. “I feel like I shouldn't use my cards, and just get money out instead."

Yearly total of identity theft cases in Orange County:

2010 - 318 cases

2011 - 390 cases

2012 - 567 cases

2013 - 492 cases

2014 - 624 cases