Preventing Credit Card Fraud

This information was given by Strathclyde Police Cheque and Credit Card Unit.

The following information should always be obtained:

1. The 16 digit card number
2. The name exactly as it is on the card
3. The type of card
4. The card expiry date
5. The card issue number
6. A contact telephone number - landline, NOT mobile
7. From the card reverse, the 3 digits that sit on their own in the signature panel (Card verification number)
8. The house number of the card holder
9. Post code of the cardholder

At the point of sale, the system will verify only if there is enough money in the card-holder's account to meet the sale.  It may not necessarily advise if the card is stolen and it is essential, to avoid being caught out on this one, that the relevant bank is telephoned to provide authorisation.  This takes between 6 and 24 hours but a genuine potential customer should not be against this procedure.