Protect your credit card details from scammers

Contact your bank or block your card from your banking app. The sooner, the better.

If you've lost your phone too, visit your bank's nearest branch as soon as you can, or borrow someone's phone to call them.

This protects you, the bank and unsuspecting merchants who unknowingly sell goods to fraudsters.

Some people actively try to steal credit card information, so hold onto your card at all times. Even when paying for something.

This means you don't allow a salesperson, bar or restaurant worker, or tradesperson to get your card details. They only need your card for a few seconds to take a photo of your full card number, expiry, CVV number, name and signature.

Skimming is used to steal a large volume of card numbers.

Skimmers are normally installed on ATMs or a point-of-sale terminal. They can scan the data on your card, taking information about the card and account, and either using it, or selling it on the dark web.

It's important to keep an eye out when using an ATM. Check for any loose or mismatched slots or keypads as these can be tampered with to steal your details.

Most businesses have modern websites that will often offer an online checkout or payment service.

Businesses taking card payments must follow strict security standards set by Visa, MasterCard and other international regulatory organisations.

This means that card details must be stored securely and can't be accessed by staff.

Never your credit card details out over the phone. You never know who can hear the call on either end of the line.