NCJ Number
162431
Journal
Security Journal Volume: 7 Issue: 1 Dated: (April 1996) Pages: 23-25
Date Published
1996
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article describes the strategy implemented by the British banking industry to prevent credit card fraud and reports on the strategy's effectiveness.
Abstract
In 1990 the British Home Office commissioned research to consider how to address the problem of credit card fraud. Based upon an examination of the circumstances associated with fraudulent card use, the research report presented recommendations that targeted card misuse at the point of retail sale, the point of card delivery to the customer, and greater customer care of credit cards. The primary measure taken by the banks to reduce card misuse at the point of sale was to lower floor limits (the transaction value at which authorization is required from banks before the card can be accepted). In addition to lowering floor limits, the banking industry also introduced a national "Hot Card File" to provide details on lost or stolen cards to retail outlets very quickly. To address the problem of postal interception, the banks implemented a number of measures. These included using independent couriers, recorded delivery, or, if appropriate, asking customers to collect their cards from their bank branch. To address the problem of stolen cards, a high profile publicity and education campaign was launched by the Association for Payment Clearing Service. Posters, leaflets, and TV/radio coverage were used to increase public awareness of the problem and encourage card holders to take greater care of their cards. Losses from credit card fraud continued to increase in 1991, but since the overall strategy was implemented in 1992, losses have dropped by 41 percent. 4 figures and 1 reference