Do you recall the T.J. Maxx security breach a couple of years ago? It turns out that was not an isolated occurrence, but part of a long-running criminal conspiracy. It recently became big news again when some of the ringleaders were busted.

These particular criminals would sit in store parking lots and try to hack into credit card processing machines -- and then into mainframes -- to get credit card and debit card numbers.

Unfortunately, there's nothing we as consumers can do to prevent these security breaches. But if you handle them right after being affected, it shouldn't cost you any money.

The solution is simple: Read your bank and credit card statements line item by line item when you get them. With credit cards, you must pursue any discrepancies within 60 days or your forfeit your right to the money.

The real problem is posed by petty thefts that might otherwise fly under the radar on your statement.