Credit-card fraud updates for cardholders and retailers

Crime prevention seminars focusing on the dangers of credit-card fraud have been held in Aberdeenshire.

Fraud expert Brian Miller, consultant to the Association of Payment Clearance Service, delivered a hard-hitting presentation on the use of credit-card counterfeting technology.

Mr Miller warned shop owners and staff that rural areas, like those in Aberdeenshire, could soon become targets for credit-card fraudsters. He passed on information to allow businesses to detect counterfeit cards in seconds.

Mr Miller also said that cardholders should be aware of the number of times their cards were swiped when in restaurants, filing stations and other businesses - and query the staff if more than one swipe was made as it could be an attempt to copy their details.

The events were funded by the Aberdeenshire Community Safety Partnership.

Up-to-date information, information packs, training packs and general tips on avoiding credit-card fraud for cardholders and retailers are available by clicking on the links below.

The Card Watch web site is the source of: Information for Card Holders: Top Tips for cardholders Avoid becoming a victim of ID fraud What happens if you are a victim of card fraud? Numbers to call if your card is lost or stolen Tips for Internet shopping Tips for making telephone transactions Tips for when travelling abroad Tips for motorists Information for Retailers: Don't Stand 4 Fraud - fraud prevention pack Spot & Stop Card Fraud pack - training pack Card-not-Present (CNP) fraud prevention guidelines Counterfeit ALERT! leaflet UV light checkers

The Card Watch fraud prevention initiative, run by the Association of Payment Clearance Service, is called Don't Stand 4 Fraud and is urging retailers to increase their vigilance and turn up the heat on card criminals.

Over the next year a highly secure system using 'smart' chip cards alongside PINs (personal identification numbers) will come into effect. By the time it is fully implemented in 2005, the system will prevent most types of card fraud happening within the UK.