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04 Apr 2022

In 2022, most people will have some kind of credit card. And, thanks to websites like PayPal, you don’t even need a physical card to utilise all of the benefits of having one, and you can simply pay using an online card.

But, unfortunately, while these checks, fingerprint identifications and online cards would logically stop credit card fraud, they have simply led to those who commit credit card fraud becoming more skilled with their forgery and identity theft.

So, what can you do if you are targeted by people stealing your credit card details, and how can you prevent it?

At ABV Solicitors, our fraud solicitor will always work hard to help those who have been targeted for a credit card or any other kind of identity fraud and aim to have any stolen assets returned. We can also advise you on ways to keep your credit card details safe and prevent theft from occurring. Great!

In this article, our fraud solicitor answers some of the most common questions that we receive about credit card fraud and its prevention to help you keep your identity safe.

Are there different types of credit card fraud?

Yes, there are.

According to our fraud solicitor, the most common type of credit card fraud revolves around lost or stolen cards being used without the owner’s permission; this is the easiest to detect and prevent.

Other types include cards that are skimmed; when a card is cloned to purchase goods. Credit cards may also be stolen online; a criminal will gain access to your name, date of birth, credit card number etc. by hacking a database and using the card to make purchases. And finally, applying for a credit card under someone else’s name without their consent is another variant of credit card fraud.

If my card is stolen, am I liable for charges?

Under the Consumer Credit Act of 1974, if your credit card is stolen, you will not be responsible for paying off the charges incurred when it was in someone else’s possession.

This Act also means you can claim back money that was stolen, but you will have to promptly report your card as stolen and contact a member of our team and the police to ensure that all of the appropriate actions are taken.

My credit card is gone; what should I do?

If you have access to an online account that allows you to cancel your card, please do this immediately.

If you suspect your credit card has been stolen, rather than just lost, contact the police and the company with whom you have the credit card to report it missing. If you suspect that your card has been cloned or that a card has been taken out in your name without your consent, contact the police, our team at ABV Solicitors and the credit card company as soon as possible for advice.

How can I prevent credit card fraud?

As mentioned earlier, hackers are becoming more skilled at this type of theft.

So, to keep your identity safe, set up alerts on your credit card; if there is any suspicious activity, you will be notified. Always report a credit card as missing if it is and keep an eye on your monthly statements to check for signs of your credit card being cloned or duplicated.