Apacs helps customers avoid fraud during Christmas season

In a move to help customers protect their credit cards from frauds when shopping online the UK payments association Apacs started a new campaign that begins on October 20 this year. The Be Card Smart Online campaign will be supported by the banking and retail industries as well as card companies Visa and MasterCard.

Within the frames of the program credit card users will be advised what measures should be taken to avoid being defrauded during the busy Christmas shopping period and beyond. Tips also will be given on how to protect computers by means of anti-virus software and other applications. Besides, consumers will be provided with the information on how to find reputable internet retailers.

Apacs reports that losses from card-not-present fraud including fraud committed through online, phone and mail order shopping makes up 54% of all card fraud losses that stood at £161.9 million between January and June 2008. Online banking losses amounted £21.4 million within the same period. It is a 185% rise above the previous year.