Understanding card fraud How to spot if you've been a victim of card fraud
Check the 'padlock' icon on your browser to verify the SSL certificate
Phishing
Fake websites and bogus emails that pretend to come from your bank often look genuine. You won't necessarily automatically spot them.
Always remember that banks or credit card companies will never ask you to go online and enter or confirm security details.
To give you a false sense of security, the 'from' line in the email may include an official-looking email address that may be copied from a genuine one. An email address can easily be altered and just because it looks genuine, it doesn't mean it is.
Some phishing emails try to convince you there will be a problem with your account if it’s not updated right away.
Pharming
There is no SSL padlock on the browser. Real websites would encrypt the session with Secure Sockets Layer (SSL). Look for the 'padlock' icon on your browser and double click on the padlock to verify the SSL certificate.
The login process or the displayed information won’t necessarily look the same as the legitimate site.
The pharming site may ask for more information than would normally be required.
Skimming
Skimming devices can be hard to spot. They look like a normal card slot but protrude slightly more.
Test the ATM slot before inserting your debit or credit card. If it moves at all, it could be an indication that a skimming device is attached.
Be aware of others around you. If someone is behaving suspiciously or makes you feel uncomfortable choose a different machine.
Intercepting mail and card-not-present fraud
Always check statements for any transactions you don't recall.
Check your credit reference files every 6 to 12 months for any fraudulent activity, such as credit searches or new accounts. Read the Which? guide to checking your credit file for more detail.
For more information on card fraud prevention, visit the Card Watch website operated by the credit card industry body Apacs.
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