Credit card fraud

Card skimming and cloning

With this type of fraud, criminals create a device which looks like where you'd enter your card on the cash machine.

They fit the device over cash machine slot. Then when people use the cash point, their card is skimmed. The information encoded on the magnetic strip is stored and then used.

Once they’ve got the cardholder's details, fraudsters try and find out the corresponding Personal Identification Number (PIN). 

PINs can be compromised in two ways.

Firstly, they look over their shoulder of the cardholder as they enter their number.

Secondly, they use micro cameras. These are being concealed around the cash machine. The images are often transmitted to a receiver attached to a hand held camera. This is usually within 100 metres of the cash machine.

The details will then be matched with the card data. The fraudsters remove the device and download the information to create a 'cloned' card.

Stolen card fraud

When a card is lost or stolen, it can be used until it’s cancelled. Thieves can potentially buy goods worth thousands of pounds before the owners become aware that they’ve even been robbed.

Advice

To keep safe and help stop the fraudsters:

• Guard your card and details when making a transaction
• Don’t let the card out of your sight
• Shield your PIN when withdrawing money from a cash machine
• Don’t write down information like PINs, passwords or logins
• Don’t give out your details in reply to emails claiming to be from your bank or the police
• When on the phone, only reveal your details if you made the call
• Access internet banking or shopping sites only by typing the address in your web browser
• Always check for the locked padlock or unbroken key security icons
• Shred documents and receipts which contain your personal information
• Secure your computer with anti-virus software and a firewall
• If your card is lost or stolen or you think it might have been used fraudulently, contact your bank or building society immediately.