- Don’t give your card number over the telephone to “cold” callers. Only make telephone transactions when you have instigated the call and are familiar with the company.
- Have your card in front of you. The retailer may ask you for information including the card number, the expiry date, the three or four digit card security code, the issue number (where applicable) and your name as it appears on your card.
- Always ask the retailer to confirm the full price that is being charged to your card, including any booking fee, delivery charges etc. Make a note of this amount at the time of the call.
- If the retailer sends you written confirmation of the order, check the bill to ensure that it is correct. Keep any such receipts and check them off against your next card statement.
General card safety
- Guard your card and card details.
- Never write down your personal identification number (PIN) and never disclose it to anyone, even if they claim to be from your bank, building society or the police.
- When using a cash machine, be wary of anyone who might be trying to watch you enter your PIN and do not allow yourself to be distracted by anyone or anything.
- Don’t keep your cheque book with your cards.
- Report lost or stolen cards or suspected fraudulent use of your card account to your bank or building society immediately. The 24-hour emergency number is on your last statement, or call directory enquiries for the number.
- Sign any new cards as soon as they arrive.
- Cut expired cards through the magnetic stripe and/or chip when replacement cards arrive.
- Pay attention to card expiry dates. If your replacement card hasn’t arrived call your bank or building society to check the status of the new card.
If you are a victim of card fraud
- Inform your bank or building society immediately.
- Report the theft or loss to the police immediately. This can be inconvenient and time consuming but it will simplify the process of getting your bank or building society to refund the losses from any unauthorised use of your card.
- If someone else uses your card before you tell your bank or building society that it has been lost or stolen, or before you tell them that someone else knows your PIN, the most you will have to pay is £50. In practice the bank or building society will usually refund the full amount lost, but if you are shown to have acted fraudulently or without reasonable care, for example by keeping your PIN written down with your card, you may have to meet all the losses.
Card protection insurance
Find out all about card protection insurance
Card protection insurance quote
Get your free online credit check
