Tips on how to Prevent Credit Card Fraud

New technologies, such as Chip and Pin, have helped provide a more secure way to pay with debit and credit cards. The introduction of this new technology saw a £60m reduction in fraud on lost and stolen cards in 2005 when compared to 2004.

However, as fraud prevention technologies advance, so do the fraudsters, who go to great lengths to find loop-holes and weaknesses in new technologies.

Despite the introduction of more secure ways of paying, credit card fraud is still prevalent. So, we should always be on our guard to ensure that we do not become the next victim.

What can you do to stay safe from fraud?
The below will be obvious to most, but it does no harm to have a refresher...

• Never give your PIN to anyone else or carry it with you written down. It's best to keep this information secured safely inside your head

• Keep your cards in a safe place that's out of sight. Don’t carry them at the top of your handbag or in the back pocket of your jeans.

• Keep tabs on your bank statements and query any transactions that you don't recognise with the bank

• Report lost or stolen cards as soon as you become aware that they are missing

• Make sure that the bank has an up to date record of your contact details so they can contact you immediately if they see any suspicious activities on your account

Being cautious at all times is the key to reducing the chances of being a victim of credit card fraud.