personally, i object to having to pay for such a service.
if/when i get a credit card if it is stolen and used then its not my problem, as i didn't spend the money... so i don't have to pay that money (of course they will most likely want me to prove that i didn't spend the money, to which i will reply prove i spent it.)
However, If my bank or a credit card company offer it to me, free of charge, i would quite happily accept it!
Common sense will protect you,
be carefull how you dispose of anything bank or credit card related (if someone is going through your rubbish, even envelope with your name and banks symbol on it is a starting point).
Don't just believe someone is who they say they are, if bank/credit calls you make sure you double check they are who they say they are... asking them details about your account would be a starting point, if your really paranoid tell them that you will call them back with the number you have for them.
it goes without saying that you don't hand out your pin number, or let your cards leave your possesion they don't have to be stolen to be copied.
im sure they are lots of other hints and tips out there, but those are just the ones on the top of my head!
