The
UK Cards Association is advising customers to be aware of a new variation on an
old style scam that involves people being telephoned by fraudsters and duped
into handing over their debit or credit card and revealing their PIN.
What
happens
- A fraudster rings you, claiming to be
from your bank or the police, saying that their systems have spotted a
fraudulent payment on your card or that your card is due to expire and
needs replacing.
- You may be asked to ring back using the
phone number on the back of your card, but the fraudster keeps the line
open at their end to send your call back to them.
- You may be asked to cancel your card or
activate a replacement by keying your PIN into the handset.
- The fraudster arranges to pick up your
card from your home and may give you a fake replacement.
- They then spend your money using your
card and PIN.
How
to avoid it
- NEVER give your card to someone who
comes to collect it.
- NEVER share your PIN with anyone - it
should only be used at cash machines and in shops.
- Your bank will not contact you asking you to
authorise your card details and will never arrange for your card to be
collected.
- If you are ever in doubt about the validity
of a telephone call, don't give out any information. Take the persons
details and then call back on a genuine number, found on a letter, website or
your card. Before you call back, make sure your line is free - wait a few
hours, check for the dial tone or try calling another number first.
What
to do if you're targetted
Call your bank or card company immediately
if you're ever the victim of a scam like this.
For more information and advice, visit
www.financialfraudaction.org.uk
