Payment card scams are on the increase, according to the latest payment fraud statistics*. In 2019, total levels of card fraud in the UK rose by 5% to 2.75 million cases. So we’re sharing some easy but effective steps that customers should take, to avoid becoming a victim and keep your money safe.

* Source: Fraud – The Facts 2020, UK Finance

WHAT IS PAYMENT CARD FRAUD?

Payment card fraud involves the theft of your bank debit or credit card, or card information, to withdraw money or to buy goods and services. Should you ever fall prey to this form of fraud, you might suspect something is wrong when:

  • spotting unrecognised transactions on your account statements 
  • being notified that you have exceeded your overdraft or credit limit
  • having your card refused when using it to make a payment

HOW DOES PAYMENT CARD FRAUD HAPPEN?

There are many and varied ways that a fraudster could obtain your payment card details, to steal money from you or your organisation:

ATM fraud

A fraudster fits a device or camera to a cash machine to capture your card details and PIN number or the card itself. The stolen card or card information is then used to withdraw money or to make purchases in a shop, online or over the phone.

Card ID theft

When a criminal uses a fraudulently obtained card or card details, together with stolen personal information, to open or take over a card account in someone else's name.

Counterfeit card

A criminal can counterfeit your bank card, by taking a photograph of the card details or using a device to read the data embedded in the card’s magnetic strip. The stolen card details can then be used to make purchases in countries where chip and pin is not supported; or where the card does not have to be physically presented to make a purchase.

Internal fraud

You lend your card or card details to a colleague, who then makes unauthorised cash withdrawals or purchases, or shares the card details with a criminal.

Lost or stolen card fraud

You lose your payment card or it is stolen, and a criminal uses it before you are able to report the loss or theft of the card. Also, new or replacement cards could be stolen, if you have moved address recently and not had your mail redirected.

SIMPLE WAYS TO PROTECT YOUR CARD

Here are five top tips to keep your payment card safe and secure:

1. Never share your card or card details

Don't give out your card information or PIN to anyone, even if you know them. Never allow a colleague, friend or family member to use your card. Make sure you never lose sight of your card when making a payment.

2. Keep your card concealed

When withdrawing cash from ATMs or purchasing goods in an outlet, cover your PIN to hide it from hidden cameras or prying eyes.

3. Be vigilant when using ATMs

If you notice anything unusual about an ATM, do not use it and report your suspicions to the bank or cash machine operator.

4. Protect your card, account and personal details

  • Keep your card with you at all times
  • Securely destroy your card PIN and other security information
  • Keep secure (or shred) card transaction receipts, bank statements, documents and letters containing personal or financial information
  • Make sure cheque books, cards and personal identification documents (eg passport or driving licence) are safely stored in separate places
  • Keep your bank or card issuer informed of any changes in the cardholders' details
  • Be assured that neither your bank, other card issuer, nor the police would ever ask for your card PIN

5. Check your account statements regularly

Look out for any unfamiliar cash withdrawals or transactions on your statements, and reconcile them with your card payment receipts. If you spot a suspicious transaction, report it to your bank or card issuer straight away.

HOW TO REPORT CARD THEFT AND FRAUD

If your CAF Bank Business Card is lost or stolen, has been captured by an ATM, or you suspect that someone has tried to use your card details, please tell us right away. Within the UK, call 03000 123 606. If phoning from abroad, call +44 3000 123 606. Our lost and stolen number is open 24 hours a day.

Please contact our Customer Service team, without delay, on 03000 123 456 (Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm, except English bank holidays), to:

  • inform us of any unexpected or incorrect transactions on your CAF Bank account statements
  • report any other suspected fraudulent activity on your account
  • cancel a Business Card that is no longer required or to order a replacement card

Please check with your card issuer, for how to report the suspected theft or fraudulent use of other bank cards that you hold.

If you suspect your organisation has become a victim of fraud of any kind, please also report it to the Action Fraud helpine. Scottish charities should report fraud to Police Scotland.

CAF Bank Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority (Financial Services Register number: 204451).

CAF Bank Limited Registered office is 25 Kings Hill Avenue, Kings Hill, West Malling, Kent ME19 4JQ. Registered in England and Wales under number 1837656.