Credit Card Fraud

What is card fraud?

Click on the headings below for a brief description of each type and how you can reduce the chances of card fraud happening to you.

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

You are protected

Barclaycard customers are protected against the consequences of credit card fraud. If you have taken all reasonable precautions – for example, you have not disclosed your PIN to anyone, you will not be liable for any fraudulent use of your Barclaycard. To improve security, fraud checks are conducted. If we spot an unusual transaction on your account, you’ll receive a phone call to check no one is using your card fraudulently.

What you can do to protect yourself

• Tell us when you are going abroad
• 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 trousers where it can be easily spotted and stolen
• 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
• 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 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.

What can I do about it?

• Always keep your card in sight when making a transaction
• Never tell anyone your PIN or carry it with you.

Back to top

Theft or Loss of Cards

How does it happen?

Your card is misplaced or stolen from your personal possession.

What can I do about it?

• Keep your cards in a safe place at all times
• Report lost/stolen cards immediately to Barclaycard 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 (call charges info). Make a note of this in your diary and travel documents as well, just in case you lose your mobile too.

Back to top

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 and your local Post Office to report this.

Back to top

Identity Fraud

How does it happen?

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 are; damage to your credit rating, your reputation, even your professional aspirations.

What can you do about it?

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.

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 (call charges info) to check the status of your account
• 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 (call charges info)
• 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.

Back to top

Cashpoint Fraud

How does it happen?

If a thief gets hold of a debit or credit card and its PIN they will go to the nearest cashpoint to withdraw as much cash as possible. 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 or 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 receipt to check against your statement when it arrives and then dispose of it safely
• If the machine swallows your card, contact us

Back to top

Find out more

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

You can read more on the official Chip and PIN web site. If you've got a question about Chip and PIN that’s not covered here, call the helpline on 0844 811 9011 (call charges info).