WHAT IS IT?

Card fraud is when a criminal steals personal information from your credit or debit card, or steals the card itself. Criminals then use this information to purchase goods or services, which will be charged to your card. In some cases, criminals apply for a credit card in your name without you knowing and open a new account. They can then apply for loans, buy things with your money, and apply for more cards.

HOW TO SPOT CARD FRAUD:

• You see an abnormal transaction on your bank statement – call the bank if you know you didn’t approve this.
• Your credit card is unexpectedly declined – If this happens, contact your bank immediately.
• You receive post that you weren’t expecting – call the company who sent it and check why.
• You see something unusual at an ATM or you don’t get your card or cash from the machine – criminals can tamper with ATM machines. Avoid using the machine and contact your bank immediately if you are impacted.
• You’re making a purchase and the card machine looks different – criminals can tamper with card machines. Avoid using the card machine if you’re uncertain.

HOW YOU CAN STAY SAFE FROM CARD FRAUD:

• Keep your card safe and shield your PIN whenever you enter it.
• If your card is lost or stolen, report it to your bank immediately.
• Check your bank statements for unauthorised transactions or suspicious transactions you never made.
• If you have online banking/apps, set up your notifications to come through whenever you make a payment, so you know when it wasn’t you.
• Make sure only you have access to your post and destroy or shred documents with personal information as soon as you’re done with it.
• As soon as your card or new card arrives, sign it straight away. If you’re disposing of your old card, make sure you cut through the chip and dispose of the sections in separate bin bags.
• You can also read more Take Five to Stop Fraud advice on Cash Machine Fraud.