For years, Clark has heard various angles about how criminals are stealing identities. One that is increasing in number is involves restaturant workers and other retail employees who steal customer information when they hand over their credit cards or debit cards. They use a Palm Pilot, an older personal data assistant, to discreetly swipe your card and steal your identity. One single individual can pull it all off before anyone finds out. In the case of one Los Angeles waitress, she was paid $200 for each card she brought to the leaders of the criminal ring stealing the identities. She now faces 12 years in prison for theft. Meanwhile, the criminals running the ring got off scot free. Remember never to use your debit card in restaurants or places where your cards can be temporarily taken out of your sight.