Top Tips on Preventing Credit Card Fraud

Identity theft is on the increase in the UK with approximately 100,000 people becoming victims each year, and credit card fraud is the most common type of identity theft.

Credit card fraud can occur when your card is stolen, or when criminals have managed to get their hands on your personal information. Cards can also be skimmed by a device which copies all the data on a card and then that information is used to either clone another card with all your details on it, or the information on your card is used to purchase goods in your name, or to open other credit card accounts using your details.

With criminals constantly devising new ways to get personal information and your credit card details it's important that you take care to keep your details as secure as possible.

Here are some tips to help you avoid becoming a victim of fraudsters and thieves.

• Never give your chip and pin number to anyone else.
• Don't keep your chip & pin number with your credit card, if your wallet or purse is stolen a thief would have access to your account details.
• Never let the card out of your sight. It only takes a second for a card to be skimmed. If you are in a restaurant make sure the waiter or waitress never takes your card away, always retain it until a machine is brought to your table.
• Always sign any new or replacement cards as soon as you receive them.
• Destroy any old credit cards by cutting them up into small pieces.
• Shred any credit card bills, old receipts or correspondence with personal details before disposing of them.
• Always check your credit card bills thoroughly and query any transactions you can't remember making or ones that may look suspicious.
• Report any lost or stolen cards to your card company immediately.
• Never give your card details out over the phone, unless you have made the call yourself . Scam calls purporting to be from your credit card company doing security checks are commonplace don't be taken in by them.
• If at all possible never fax your card details. You don't know who might have access to the fax machine at the other end and be able to see your details.
• Never respond to any e-mails wanting you to 'confirm your card details'. If your card company wants any information from you they won't do it this way.
• Don't send your card details to anyone in an email.
• When purchasing online make sure the site is SSL secure.

Card companies are always looking at new ways to combat fraudsters, but you can help too, by following these tips and making it difficult for the identity thieves to get the information they need to commit these crimes.