Credit Card Protection

As more and more people use plastic as their main means of paying for goods and services, so there are more opportunities for criminals to cash in. Credit card fraud is, sadly, not a new phenomenon and new types of fraud, such as 'skimming', where the data from a card's magnetic strip is copied onto another card, are becoming increasing problems. Credit card losses topped £411.4 million in 2001 and around 51 per cent of people in the UK are worried about having their credit or debit card stolen.
Here's 10 tips on how to avoid getting caught by credit card fraud:

1. Don’t let your card out of your sight

2. Never leave your card out in a place where your details can be copied

3. Watch what is happening when you are making a transaction

4. Ask the retailer to confirm the amount being debited from your card

5. Keep all your receipts from transactions, or if you destroy them ensure your card details cannot be pieced together

6. Never disclose your PIN to anyone or keep it on you

7. Ensure no-one can see you enter your PIN into an ATM

8. Never carry a chequebook with your cards

9. Report lost or stolen cards immediately

10. Check your statements carefully