As you head out to do Christmas shopping, leave the debit card at home, AARP recommends.

Why? When it comes to fraud and theft, credit cards are safer, experts say.

With credit cards, the cardholder is usually liable for only up to $50 of fraudulent use, and most credit card companies will waive this fee. But if your debit card is lost, stolen or used fraudulently, financial losses to the consumer can be much more significant, since the scammer may have access to your checking account.

Call your bank or credit union for details.

AARP’s Fraud Watch Network says report scams to local police, and contact the AARP Fraud Watch Network at www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork for more information on fraud prevention.