(Received: 2009/10/21 13:08)

CONSUMERS WARNED AFTER HUGE RISE IN CARD FRAUD

Consumers were warned to be vigilant today following a 250% jump in the number

of people who were tricked into handing over their credit or debit card and Pin

to fraudsters.

Financial Fraud Action UK said it had seen a huge increase in the number of

cases of the telephone scam during the year so far, with fraudsters often

targeting particular groups, such as pensioners and members of the Asian

community.

Under the scam, fraudsters phone their victims and pretend to be from the

security or fraud department of their bank, claiming their records have flagged

up fraudulent transactions on the victim's card.

They ask the victim to write down their Pin number and place it in an envelope

with their card, and promise to send a courier to collect it.

The group said the fraudsters often won victims' trust by appearing to offer

assistance.

They also used genuine courier companies to collect the cards and deliver the

package to them.

Once they had the card and the Pin the fraudsters used it to withdraw money

from cash machines.

Katy Worobec, head of fraud control at Financial Fraud Action UK, said:

"Fraudsters have been targeting particular groups of cardholders.

"So far some of the victims have included pensioners and members of the Asian

community. However, what is now clear is that the scam is becoming more

widespread."

She warned consumers never to disclose their Pin or other personal financial

information to people cold-calling them.

She advised people who were approached in this way to hang up and then call

their bank themselves on a number that they know is correct.

People who think they may have been the victim of the scam are advised to

contact their bank or credit card company immediately.

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