Tips for safe online card usage: beat the fraudsters


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More and more people are using their card online to pay for goods and services. Using your credit card in these instances gives you extra protection in case things go wrong – protection you don’t get paying by debit card, charge card, cheque or cash.

Take the following steps to protect yourself from all types of card fraud and to bank online with confidence:

1. Surf safe.
You should only ever use a PC with a firewall and up-to-date anti-virus software. If you’re buying online only ever shop at secure websites.

2. Say no to strangers.
Don’t give your PIN or bank passwords to cold callers or e-mails. Always check who you are dealing with. Are they who they say they are?

3. Keep it secret, keep it safe.
Keep your cards safe and never give out your PIN to anyone. Never write down your PIN.

4. Check your statements.
If you spot anything you weren’t expecting contact your bank, building society or card company immediately.

5. Dispose of personal information safely.
Tear up or shred statements or documents containing personal information before throwing them away.

If you discover you have been a victim of card fraud tell your card company immediately and it will be cancelled straight away. It is also recommended that you report the theft to the police.

It can be inconvenient and time consuming but it will make it easier to get your money back.
If the worst does happen then protection provided by the card companies means that you can usually get your money back. If a criminal uses your card before you tell your credit card company that it has been lost or stolen, or if someone else knows your PIN, the most you will ever have to pay is £50.

For more information about how to shop and bank safely online, visit the following sites:

www.cardwatch.org.uk

www.banksafeonline.org.uk

www.getsafeonline.org

www.identitytheft.org.uk

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