Credit Card Fraud

...and other such useful things that your Dad used to tell you.

Did you know that there are at least six types of card crime?

But don't let that alarm you.  With a bit of knowledge, you can take the right steps to protect yourself.

What is card fraud?

Click on the headings below for a brief description of each one – and how you can lessen the chances of it happening to you.

• Counterfeit Fraud (Skimming)
• Theft or Loss of Cards
• Postal Interceptions
• Use of Card Details
• Identity Fraud
• Cashpoint Fraud

What we do to protect you

The first thing to say is that our customers are 100% protected against the consequences of credit card fraud. So long as you have taken all reasonable precautions – for example, you have not disclosed your PIN to anyone- we promise you will not be liable for any fraudulent use of your Barclaycard.
On top of this, we conduct our own fraud checks. If we spot an unusual transaction on your account, we'll give you a bell to check no one is using your card fraudulently.
So if you get a call like this out of the blue, don't panic- we're just making sure your account is secure.

What you can do to protect yourself - general tips

It's pretty obvious stuff, but easy to forget if you're in a hurry...

• Never let your card out of your sight
• Don't slip your card in the top of your handbag or in the back pocket of your jeans where it can be easily spotted- and stolen
• Seems logical, but it's actually very risky – don't keep your cheque book and cheque card together
• Never tell anyone your PIN or carry it with you
• Report lost and stolen cards immediately
• It's boring but essential - check your statement carefully as soon as it arrives and query unknown purchases
• Never leave your card where details can be copied. For example, if you're in a restaurant, either ask the member of staff to bring the card terminal to you or accompany them to the till
• Keep your records with us up to date so we can contact you immediately if we think you are a victim of fraud
• If you're travelling abroad, why not programme your card company's lost and stolen number into your mobile? Ours is +44 1604 230 230. Make a note of this in your diary and travel documents as well, just in case you're unlucky enough to have your mobile stolen too.

Counterfeit Fraud (Skimming)

How does it happen?

Skimming is when the genuine data on your card's magnetic strip is electronically copied onto another card, without your knowledge. It can occur at cash machines, shops, bars, restaurants and petrol stations. Skimmed information is sometimes sold onto organised crime.

What can I do about it?

• Always keep your card in sight when making a transaction

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Theft or Loss of Cards

How does it happen?

Bad luck - or forgetting to keep an eye on your cards. Your card is most likely to be used within the first few hours of being stolen so if it happens to you, act immediately.

What can I do about it?

• Keep your cards in a safe place at all times
• Report lost/stolen cards immediately to us (and to the police)
• If you're travelling abroad, programme your card company's lost and stolen number into your mobile. Ours is +44 1604 230 230. Make a note of this in your diary and travel documents as well, just in you lose your mobile too.

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Postal Interceptions

What can I do about them?

• If a new card or cheque book that you're expecting through the post doesn't arrive, contact your issuing bank
• It's also a good idea to contact your local Postal Office

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Use of Card Details

How does it happen?

A stray statement or receipt is a gift to an enterprising thief as they can use the account details to access your funds. 

What can I do about it?

• Be careful about how you discard any paperwork that bears your account details – invest in a shredder.

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Identity Fraud

How does it happen?

This one has made big news in the last couple of years. Criminals use personal information such as utility bills, account data to take out loans, mortgages or credit cards in your name.    The consequences of identity fraud can be devastating – it can damage your credit rating, your reputation, even your professional aspirations. However, there are some very simple steps you can take to lessen the risk.

What can I do about it?

• The best thing you can to protect yourself against identity fraud is also the most simple. Be very careful about how you store and dispose of any documentation that has personal information on it
• Make sure you have made it illegible before you bin it - thieves are very willing to hunt through your rubbish

If you think you may have been a victim of identity theft, there are several things you can do:

• Contact us on 0844 811 9111* to check the status of your accounts
• Contact a credit reference agency such as Experian on 0870 241 6212* or Equifax on 0870 010 0583* and ask for a copy of your annual credit report.  This will help you find out if anyone is opening accounts in your name
• Check out the Home Office Identity Fraud website for more information on how to protect yourself, and what to do if you think you are a victim.

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Cashpoint Fraud

How does it happen?

A lucky thief who gets hold of a card and its PIN can simply walk to the nearest cashpoint. A more sophisticated method is to tamper with the ATM so that it reads and stores your card details when you insert it in the machine.

What can I do about it?

• Never be tempted to jot down your PIN "just so you don't forget it" - and never keep a note of your PIN with your card
• If a cash machine looks as if it has been tampered with, don't use it
• When inserting your PIN, make sure no one is watching you
• Tuck your card and cash away safely before you leave the machine
• Keep hold of your printed slips to check against your statement later – and dispose of them safely
• If the machine swallows your card, don't panic. Contact us immediately and we'll resolve the problem.

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For further help about card fraud, and how to prevent it, visit: www.cardwatch.org.uk

Find out more

You can read more on the official Chip and PIN web site. If you've got a question about Chip and PIN that we've not covered here, call the helpline on 0844 811 9011*.

* The following is a guide to call charges from landlines within the UK: Call charges info.