Credit Card Fraud Common – With Fraud Often Peaking Around Christmas

According to new figures almost one-third of consumers have been a victim of fraud after losing or having their credit card stolen. The average amount fraudulently take is £623, according to card protection service CPP, which emphasizes the importance of credit card security.
According to the report, credit card fraud tends to peak around the Christmas holiday period, meaning consumers should specifically be on their guard during the month of December.
Card fraud expert at CPP, Sarah Blaney warned consumers to be vigilant. “If you are only going to use maybe one or two cards to buy your presents with then that’s all you need to take with you. Don’t carry your card in your pocket. Make sure it is safely tucked away in your purse or wallet.” Ms. Blaney also advised shoppers to check all of their receipts against bank statements to make sure that no money has been stolen.
The UK’s Fraud Prevention Service, CIFAS, recently reported that 68,000 people had become victims of credit card impersonation during the first ten months of 2009.