Abacus Daily Debt News

Cardiff named as credit card fraud ‘hotspot’

Consumers in Wales could be at the greatest risk of debt problems caused by credit card fraud, as research has shown Cardiff is the UK’s ‘hotspot’ for the offence.

Insurance company CPP revealed that more than a third of card holders in the city have been a victim at some point, with the Welsh capital overtaking London for the first time.

Overall, card fraud was found to have risen by six per cent over the course of the last two years.

And CPP’s Sarah Blaney noted that more people are being affected as "increasingly sophisticated methods" are adopted by fraudsters.

"We urge all card holders to be vigilant and take steps to protect themselves to avoid falling victim to card criminals," she said.

Debt problems may have been caused by a recent internet scam, with the Daily Mail noting last week that an online network selling bank and credit card account details generated £100 million.

By Andy Mackay