Unauthorised Use of Your Credit Card Abroad

Whether you lose your card while on holiday, it is stolen abroad or it is compromised by a skimming or cloning technique abroad (see Card Skimming), it might enter criminal circulation or its details might be sold on to criminals. In fact, most fraud that occurs on UK cards abroad stems from the card or card details being stolen in the UK. Card fraud is a global problem. It is therefore ever-more important to take basic security measures and avoid becoming a victim. Ensure that you keep your security details and your card in a safe place whilst on holiday; remember that criminals are often opportunists and are thus deterred even by basic security measures such as keeping your card in a zipped purse inside a zipped pocket. Remember to make a note of your card provider's lost or stolen card hotline and take it with you on holiday: should you notice that your card is missing, inform your card provider as soon as possible to prevent fraudulent transactions.