As more and more of us use ‘plastic’ rather than cash to pay for our goods and services, the opportunity for fraud has risen dramatically. Although not a new phenomenon, it has certainly risen in prevalence in recent times and it seems everyone knows someone who has been a victim or has been one themselves. The new Chip and Pin scheme stands to help enormously in the fight back against fraud, but there are steps you can take yourself to ensure you don’t become another statistic.

1. Don’t EVER let your card out of your sight while making a purchase.
   This used to be common practice at restaurants for example, but your card should always be copied at your table or within your sight. This includes someone turning your back on you to swipe your card or doing it under a bar. It only takes a couple of seconds to ‘skim’ your card. (see ‘card skimming-be alert’).
2. Never leave your card out in sight so the details can be copied.
   An opportunistic fraudster can do a lot of damage with just your card number, name, expiry date and start date, all of which can be found on the front of your card and done without you knowing or missing your card.
3. Watch what happens to your card during a transaction.
   You’re not being paranoid, it’s surprisingly easy to copy a card or make two receipts, so be watchful
4. Buy a shredder
   Unless you keep all your receipts, make sure any receipts (or anything with any account/card details on it) are destroyed in a way that they cannot be pieced back together. It’s no coincidence that card and identity fraud has risen as paper recycling bins have become more commonplace in households. They’re a minefield of information for the fraudster. Account details, card details and lots of other personal information. So take care what you throw away.
5. At the point of sale, have the cashier confirm the amount to you.
   And when they ask you to check the amount and sign (or enter pin) make sure you DO check.
6. NEVER disclose your pin number to anyone
   Even those you assume you can trust. Better safe than sorry.
7. Be extra careful at cash machines
   Scams at ATMs are on the increase. Ensure no one can see you enter your number and report anything suspicious about the machine itself.
8. Always keep your chequebook separate from your cards
   Losing one or the other might not be such a disaster!
9. Report lost or stolen cards IMMEDIATELY
   Don’t hope they’ll turn up. It doesn’t take long to have them replaced now. Don’t take chances
10. ALWAYS check your statements
    It’s astonishing how many people don’t. Are you only paying for YOUR purchases?