Credit card fraud
If you’ve experienced credit card fraud, read our advice and learn how to get support. You can also report it to us online, by phone, or in person
What credit card fraud is
Credit card fraud is when someone uses your bank card or card details without your permission.
Types of credit card fraud
Card skimming
Card skimming is when a device is put on the card slot of a cash machine which records card information when it’s used.
After this, fraudsters will try to find out your PIN by watching you or using hidden cameras. After getting your PIN, they’ll download the information and clone your card so they can use it.
Card cloning
Card cloning is when a new card is made using your card details and PIN, allowing someone to access your money without stealing your physical card.
Digital wallet fraud
Digital wallet fraud is when someone steals your card details and uses a one-time passcode to add your card to their own digital wallet.
Learn more about digital wallet fraud from Take Five.
Stolen or lost cards
Stolen or lost cards can be used until frozen or cancelled.
Hacked accounts
Hackers can sometimes use card details you’ve stored on an online account.
How to report credit card fraud
If you want to tell us about credit card fraud, you can report it online, by phone, or in person.
What to do if credit card fraud happens
If your card is lost, stolen, or used without your consent, you should:
- tell your bank right away and ask them to freeze cards and protect your account
- freeze or cancel the card
You can also read our advice on what to do if you suspect identity theft.
Get support from other organisations
You can get support from other organisations:
- Stop! Think Fraud is the UK government’s fraud advice service
- Take Five for tools and advice on how to avoid scams and fraud and what to do if it happens
Ways to prevent credit card fraud
To help prevent credit card fraud you can:
- shield your pin when using cash machines and checkouts
- avoid writing down PIN numbers or banking passwords
- avoid sharing your personal details, passwords, or PIN in texts, calls, or emails claiming to be from your bank (it may be a scam)
- type the bank website directly in your browser (fake sites can appear in searches)
- make sure the website has a locked padlock or key security icon
- shred documents or receipts with personal information
- if you see any unusual activity in your bank statement report it to your bank
- if you get potential scam messages claiming to be from your bank report it to your bank
- be wary of someone who phones and asks you to read out a one-time code (this is a common scam)
Read more advice from National Debtline on protecting yourself from fraud