STOP CREDIT CARD FRAUD
What is Credit Card Fraud?
Credit card and debit card fraud is increasing rapidly.
A great deal of credit card fraud arises from teams of professional thieves stealing cash cards and then going on a spending spree before the cash card owner has realised that they have been robbed. However, pick pocketing is a high visibility crime with a reasonable chance of being caught, and many fraudsters now prefer to employ more sophisticated techniques to commit credit card fraud. Credit card skimming at ATM machines is a fast growing trend, with cash card skimming machines looking more and more a part of the ATM machine itself, without cardholders even noticing the difference.
Reputable & Regulated Credit Card Companies
Applying for a credit card? Check your Experian credit report online for free to make sure you get the best deal and interest rate.UK Fraud has compiled a directory of reputable and regulated Credit Card companies for your convenience.
• Halifax All in One 10/10 Credit Card
Card Skimming
Card skimming is the act of stealing data from the magnetic strip on a credit card or debit card. This information is then copied electronically onto another cash card for fraudulent use. This type of credit card fraud is often carried out in public places, where you may normally feel no problem with handing over your credit card or debit card, such as petrol stations, shops and restaurants.
Card skimming at ATM machines is carried out by card skimming machines that copy the credit card or debit card details and feature miniature camera devices which record cardholders entering their PINs. Fraudsters often hover around ATM machines, spying on users and trying to capture their PIN numbers.
Cover your hand when entering your PIN.
If you suspect that the ATM machine you are about to use has been tampered with, never attempt to remove any device – walk away and report your suspicions to the bank.
Avoiding Credit Card Fraud
• Never let your credit card or debit card out of your sight.
• Always check your receipts, credit card statements and bank statements thoroughly.
• Shred all official documents and credit card receipts. A credit card receipt is all a clever fraudster needs to produce a replica credit card or debit card.
• Always keep your credit card or debit card and your PIN separate.
• Only use shopping sites which you know to be reputable, and if you have to use money transfer services other than your bank use money transfer services, such as Paypal. (see Internet Fraud)
• Try to avoid using easily found facts about yourself, for example, your date of birth which when you think about it is a very useful bit of information when used in identity theft.
• Never tell anyone your PIN, even if they claim to be from your credit card company or from the police.
• Have a different PIN for every credit card and debit card. This will make the fraudster’s job that little bit more difficult.
• Make sure the site you are visiting is a genuine site and not a phishing site (see online auction fraud)
What If I Become A Victim Of Credit Card Fraud?
Contact your cash card issuer - the law states that cardholders will not be held liable for fraudulent transactions as long as they still have the original card in their possession, and any bank or business that turns down a refund request is on very shaky legal ground.
Check with a credit reference agency to make sure fraudulent applications for credit have not been made in your name. You can ask them to take incorrect information off your credit file.
Call CIFAS (0870 010 2091) to double check any further transactions done in your name.