How to stay safe from credit card fraud – spending out and about

Knowing how to look out for your credit card – and your identity – should be high on your to-do list.

So, here are some golden rules to follow when you’re out and about

Last year, fraud losses on UK credit card totalled £620 million. But there are things you can do to spend safely when you use your credit card, whether you’re at the supermarket, out for dinner or on holiday (we can all dream!).

Keep your card information safe

• Never write down your credit card details, such as your PIN. This can significantly increase your chances of falling victim to card fraud.

• If you're using your credit card to pay for something, never let anyone take your card out of sight – even if it’s only for a moment. They could be copying your card’s details with a skimming device.

• Keep your card details safe and never give out personal information or your PIN. At Zopa, we’ll never contact you asking for your login details. So if you do get a call or email claiming to be Zopa and asking for your details, you’ll know it’s not us, so don’t feel bad about hanging up or ignoring the email.

• If you’re in a public place and buying goods, checking your online banking or paying bills, make sure you’re using a password-protected wireless network and always log out when you’re finished.

Be aware of who might be watching

• When out and about, avoid keeping your credit card in coat pockets or backpacks that can be easily accessed by pickpockets.

• Watch out for shoulder surfing, where thieves steal your card details by spying over your shoulder. This can happen at cash points, in shops and even if you’re using your laptop in a public place. Be particularly aware if someone tries to distract you soon after you’ve made a purchase. Fraudsters often work in teams so the other person could pinch your card as they’ll know where it is.

Check your payments

• Always review receipts and card terminal screens before paying. Once you’ve paid or signed for something, it can be tricky to dispute the payment if it’s incorrect.

Want more tips and guidance?

This article from the Government’s Money Advice Service explains the different types of credit card fraud, how to detect them and who to contact if you think you’ve been scammed:

[What is credit card fraud and how to prevent it]