Credit card details 'must be kept safe'

Accessing the best credit card offers may make little difference to consumers this Christmas if they are unable to keep their banking details safe from thieves.

CIFAS - the UK's Fraud Prevention Service – has warned consumers to be on their guard against pickpockets as they go about their Christmas shopping, and also be aware of other threats such as hacker attacks.

It claims to have recorded over 68,000 cases of identity impersonation during the first ten months of the year – with many victims having had their credit card details stolen – and more are set to emerge over the Christmas period.

CIFAS communications manager Richard Hurley said the festive season traditionally reminds people of the high street threats of thieves and pickpockets stealing wallets.

He added: "We must, however, protect ourselves equally from their latter-day counterparts who target our identities.

"The safety tips used throughout the year to protect our identities are even more crucial now, in order to ensure that the holiday period can be enjoyed without the fear that fraudsters are helping themselves to your identity and finances."

Jeff Green, senior vice-president of McAfee Labs, has also warned consumers to be on their guard against cybercriminals this December.

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2009-12-02 13:08:51 © Moneyextra.com