Despite the advent of Chip and Pin systems, credit card fraud scams are on the increase all over the world. Chip and Pin may give consumers protection when they make a purchase in person but it can do little to prevent scams when the 'cardholder is not present.' Buying stuff over the phone or online can be risky with Internet credit card fraud a particular problem at present.

The databases that store these details online are rich pickings for fraudsters- this month saw a team of hackers arrested for what is held to be the biggest identity theft to date. According to a BBC report the team managed to get hold of the details of 130 million credit and debt cards in a massive merchant fraud attack. Finding and following credit card fraud protection tips may help avoid problems.