What happened at "Wat a Lunch n More" restaurant in Tamarac is something to chew on if you're concerned about protecting your credit.

The former owner, 54-year-old Bruce Horner of Coral Springs, is accused of stealing credit card numbers from about 50 customers to the tune of more than $100,000.

Although a new owner who had nothing to do with the alleged crimes is now in place, the incident is a perfect example of why you should be careful where using your credit card.

A restaurant is one of the few places you hand your credit card to a complete stranger and allow them to walk away for several minutes.

"It's not uncommon to see your credit card leave at the end of a dining experience for 5 to 10 minutes. And everyone's concerned about what exactly is being done with that credit card and the info on that," said Rick King of Partech Inc.

A new "pay at the table" system can help protect your credit card number. It's a portable hand-held device used at several restaurants across South Florida. The wait staff simply bring the device to your table with the final bill and you swipe the card yourself. So, your card never leaves your sight.

Federal investigators said Horner faces several charges of conspiracy, bank fraud and wire fraud charges.