If you think there is a possibility that you are a victim of credit card fraud then act quickly.

Criminals have different methods of getting hold of your credit card details. Spoof e-shopping sites, online subscriptions, hacking into a website or company database. When they do get hold of card numbers and other necessary personal data they may sell your details to other criminals.

The most common fraud is when they use your card to buy something using the Card-not-present (CNP) method. This is when an order is placed just using the credit card details and not in person with chip and pin. This includes fraud conducted over the Internet, by telephone, fax and mail order.

Since April 1^st 2007, account holders should report card fraud to their credit card company and not the police. It will be the card company's responsibility to verify and investigate claims, and when appropriate report the incident to the police.

What should you do.

• Call your credit card company immediately. The maximum loss you should have to bear is £50. In practice, many banks and credit card companies will not charge you at all. Your card will be cancelled. Remember not to use that credit card again.
• Check with a credit agency such as Experian or Equifax to make sure no fraudulent applications for credit have been made in your name. You can also ask them to take incorrect information off your file.
• Contact CIFAS internet financial fraud prevention to see if their service can help you.

Last updated on April 15, 2008 by The E-Victims Organisation