City worst for credit card fraud

Birmingham is the worst place in the UK for credit and debit card fraud, a survey has shown.

More than a third of residents claim to have either have had their cards stolen in the post or account details taken and copied over the internet.

The survey, by insurance firm CPP, shows 34% of residents have fallen victim to fraud with most being unaware until contacted by their banks.

Plymouth was second worst for the fraud, with 30% of residents affected.

This is followed by Cambridge and Belfast with 28%.

The firm carried out a survey of 5,000 people for the results.

'Less vigilant'

Zoe Manton, head of card protection at CPP, said Birmingham was a lively and vibrant city with a large student population, which may account for it being top of the table.

She said: "It seems people are a little less vigilant. It may be that they are unaware of when cards are being re-issued so they don't notice cards have gone missing in the post until they are contacted by a bank.

"It seems to be popular with internet shoppers as well and this accounts for a large part of the internet fraud."

Common sense is the key to preventing credit card fraud, she added.

People should make sure they know when to expect credit and debit cards in the post and if shopping online, make sure secure internet sites are being used.