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.
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Card-not-received fraud
This is when a card is stolen in transit, after a card issuer sends it out and before the genuine cardholder receives it.
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Remote purchase fraud (card not present)
This is when a criminal uses stolen card details to buy something on the internet, over the phone or through mail order.
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Card ID theft
This is when a criminal uses a fraudulently obtained card or card details, along with stolen personal information, to open or take over a card account held in someone else’s name.
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Protect you debit or credit card
- Keep your card safe and shield your PIN whenever you enter it.
- Check ATMs for any signs of tampering.
- If your card is lost or stolen, report it to your bank immediately.
- If you are expecting a new card and it doesn’t arrive, contact your bank or provider immediately.
- 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.
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Protect your card details
- Check your transactions regularly for payments you don’t recognise.
- Set up bank alerts in your app so you know when your card has been used.
- Avoid clicking on links in emails, texts and social media – always verify the website you’re on.
- Criminals will try to trick you into sharing your one-time passcode. Treat your one-time passcode as carefully as you would your PIN.
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Protect your information
- Check your privacy settings and limit what you share online.
- Only provide information to trusted organisation and verify any requests.
- Destroy unwanted documents that have your personal or financial information on them.
- Always make sure your bank or card provider has your up-to-date address – use a redirect service if you move.