17 December 2008
A credit card security expert is warning consumers of a likely increase in card not present fraud over the festive season.
Danny Harrison from life assistance company CPP said such fraud often occurs in bars and restaurants when staff take credit cards away to terminals.
"To skim your card or write down the information only takes a few seconds," he warned, pointing out that such activity is on the increase in the UK.
Indeed, he explained that the introduction of Chip and PIN has prevented fraudsters from committing fraud at the point of sale.
As a result they have turned to card not present fraud - stealing credit card details and using them online or over the telephone.
Mr Harrison said a survey conducted by CPP revealed that 75% of people believe bars and restaurants should sign up to a code of conduct not to take credit cards out of the sight of their customers.
The group also found that half of those questioned are concerned that staff in eating or drinking establishments will use their credit card details fraudulently.
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