Credit Card Fraud Protection

Credit card fraud is a serious concern, so we'll start from the bottom line. So long as you have taken all reasonable precautions – for example, you have not disclosed your PIN to anyone - we promise you will not be liable for any fraudulent use of your Barclaycard.

Read on to see how we're working to protect you:

Chip and PIN

This is fast replacing the old payment method of signing a receipt. You simply tap your four-digit PIN into a special key pad at the till. Since your PIN is known only to you, if your card is copied, lost or stolen, no one else can use it.  Already, Chip and PIN has drastically reduced credit card fraud.

Spot fraud checks

If we spot an unusual transaction on your account, we'll give you a bell to check no one is using your card fraudulently. So if you get a call like this out of the blue, don't panic - we're just making sure your account is secure.

Going abroad? Tell us to avoid hassle

Referrals are put on cards to prevent fraud. They ask the retailer to check with the card company before the transacton is completed. Unfortunately this security procedure has caused problems for some customers trying to use their credit card abroad, when foreign retailers assumed "referred" means "blocked or declined", and refuse to accept the card. 

We've found a way of countering this problem without sacrificing your security. Next time you're about to go on holiday, call us on 0844 811 9091 (call charges info). That way, you'll reduce the chance that an overseas transacton will trigger a referral.

What you can do to prevent credit card fraud

Some commonsense advice that might seem obvious but we know is easy to forget when you're in a hurry:

• Don't leave your card unattended in a car, office or changing room
• Don't leave your card in a visible place like on top of your handbag or sticking out of your pocket
• Never keep your cheque book and card together
• Don't write down your Personal Identification Number (PIN) and never reveal it to anyone
• If you think your card is lost or stolen, tell us immediately
• Programme your card company's lost and stolen number into your mobile - ours is + 44 1604 230 230
• Check your statement as soon as it arrives and query unknown purchases
• When making a payment, try not to let your card out of your sight and make sure it's returned. For example, if you're in a restaurant, don't feel awkward about asking the staff to bring the card terminal to you or following them to the till.