In the last few weeks, I’ve heard of cases where individuals have been victims of scams, either online or via telephone calls.  It’s disheartening to hear of these cases as, not only is there often a financial implication to this despicable action, but often it can leave the victim feeling helpless and hopeless.

In one case, the victim was contacted over the phone and after much “battering” was persuaded to hand over her security details to “renew” a contract with an “existing” provider.  She had no idea how the caller had accessed her card details but she seemed very plausible and persuasive.  Thankfully, in this case, the victim realised almost straight away that it didn’t seem right and was able to contact her bank to stop her bank card and avoid any money being taken.  What won’t be as easily rectified is her feeling of blame that she could have been as gullible as to have fallen foul of what is clearly a huge problem on an international scale.

In the second case, the victim was contacted by her bank who had noticed unusual activity on the account and had put a temporary stop to any further transactions.  These were confirmed as fraudulent by the account owner and, after about a month, the money was refunded…..at the bank’s cost. Again, the victim had no idea how the card details had been obtained and, in this case, the fraud caused much inconvenience to her as she was going away and had no bank card and was £1,000 down in her bank account albeit temporarily.

We can’t stress enough how important it is to keep your bank details safe at all times when out.

The recommended advice from Financial Fraud Action UK is:

• Never let your cards or card details out of your sight when making a transaction.

• Destroy, or ideally, shred, any documents or receipts containing personal financial information when you dispose of them.

• Don't write down your passwords, login details and PINs.

• Don’t disclose PINs, login details or passwords in response to unsolicited emails or callers claiming to be from your bank, the card companies or the police.

• Only divulge your card details in a telephone transaction when you have instigated the call and are familiar with the company.

• Register your cards with Verified by Visa or MasterCard SecureCode.

• When entering your PIN in a shop or a cash machine use your free hand to shield the number from prying eyes or hidden cameras.

If you think you may have been a victim of such fraud, contact your bank immediately.

Keri Carter, CFP™