Want to Avoid Bank Card Fraud?
Credit and bank card fraud is a common occurrence these days. There is no doubt that you or someone you know has at some point either had their bank card stolen, or skimmed, or used fraudulently, or at least had someone attempt to steal it. With more and more of us relying on cards to make almost all of our payments for everything from petrol to penny sweets, our cards are out there in the wild world, in the open for predators to pounce. And not only are they vulnerable in your pocket, they can be accessed digitally, replicated, and used on the other side of the world before you even know it’s happened. Here are some suggestions on how to stop this from happening.
Fraud Squad
Most banks these days have an anti-fraud department. You may not have felt like you needed it when you signed up with your bank, but if it doesn’t offer this service then maybe it’s time to move to one which does. Your details can be stolen in many ways, but with a professional team at your bank monitoring your card, if your account suddenly pops up in Algeria when all of your transactions for the past two years have been made in Toronto, then they will be there to block the transaction and contact you to see if a crime has been committed.
Know your rights
The Consumer Credit Act 1974 states that in the UK if a card is misused, and as long as the card holder has no part in the criminal act, then the full amount stolen must be refunded. So if you do fall victim to a card crime then as long as you know your rights and act as soon as you know something has happened then there is a good chance you will get your money back.
Don’t take your card with you
While it is possible to use your card in many different places, it is most of the time not necessary to have it with you if you have cash. While a card is of course a replacement for cash, it can be less of a disaster to lose 30 pounds in cash on a night out, rather than your card which can give a savvy criminal quick access to your entire life savings. Try leaving your card at home for a change, it might save you from offering to pay for a large round at the bar and save you from the nightmare of losing your bank card.
These simple tips can really help you avoid losing your hard earned money. Try using them and see if you feel that little bit more secure.
David Somberville is an online ecommerce specialist with experience using payment gateways and money transfer services to forge new businesses in this digital age.
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