3 October 2008
A growing number of backpackers are having their credit cards cancelled while they are abroad because their banks have mistaken them for fraudsters, it has emerged. According to gapyear.com, many travellers find themselves unable to use their cards because overseas usage has raised the suspicions of their credit card provider. Cancellations are occurring even where customers have informed their banks of their trip before jetting off, the website claimed. It said that increasingly, backpackers are turning to pre-pay cards to ensure they have enough funds to get them through their trip. Tom Griffiths, founder of gapyear.com, commented: "We've had people saying they've warned their bank but the problem is the banks and the credit card companies don't recognise 'backpackers' as a term." According to figures from the UK payments association Apacs, overseas credit card fraud now accounts for 40% of total card fraud losses.
© 2008 Adfero Ltd
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