Cardholders urged to watch their backs

Posted 2008-02-8

Consumers are being advised to take extra care when using their credit cards to avoid falling victim to fraud.

Danny Harrison, a security expert at card protection firm CPP, emphasised the need to take practical, commonsense measures when using credit or debit cards.

These include being aware of website security certification when shopping online; keeping plastic in a safe place at all times; and being vigilant whenever using cards at an ATM or chip-and-pin machine.

“These fraudsters are always looking for an easy target,” Mr Harrison said. “When you are shopping on the high street, you need to take that extra bit of care.”

He added: “Its the same when you are online - you need to keep your anti-virus software and firewall software up to date and also consider which websites you are buying from when shopping online.”

Credit card fraud declined by five per cent in the first six months of 2006, but it remains above the £200 million mark and is still widely seen as a victimless crime because banks tend to bear the costs.

London has now overtaken Birmingham as the worst location for card fraud, with almost three in ten Londoners saying they have been a victim of the crime.

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