Protect Yourself Against Internet Credit Card Fraud

In a new report released after a study carried out by Barclaycard it is has been revealed that a large number of UK consumers are failing to take the necessary steps to protect themselves against credit card fraud when making purchases on the internet. With fraudsters using more and more sophisticated means of obtaining consumer information to carry out fraudulent transactions, it is more important than ever for consumers that use the internet to make purchases to protect themselves.

The study was carried out as the number of people shopping online swells in the run up to Christmas. As part of the study Barclaycard officials surveyed eighteen hundred consumers from the UK. The results of the study showed that over twenty five percent of those using their credit cards to make purchases online were not able to check whether the website that they were using to conduct their transactions was secure one.

Further analysis also indicated that one in every ten consumers that were shopping online with their credit card were failing to take basic precautions in order to protect their information, or were leaving valuable data such as passwords, account numbers, and card details on a PC that could be accessed by other people. Thus increasing the risk of becoming a victim of credit card fraud.

Martin Warwick, head of card fraud operations at Barclaycard, stated: "It is concerning that despite all the advice and information available on fraud protection, many consumers are not confident internet shoppers and are making really basic mistakes when it comes to using their credit or debit cards through websites." He did add, however, that providing consumers start taking the necessary steps to protect themselves, shopping online can provide a safe and convenient alternative to high street shopping.

Alisdair Milton
18th November 2006

More Information:

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• ‘Vishing’ – A New Type Of Credit Card Fraud
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