Disputed transactions, HSBC Mastercard

gropinginthedark

I found some transactions on my card which I quite definitely did not make (to Sky and AOL - I don't need either of them as I use Telewest for Cable TV and broadband). I advised HSBC who told me "not our problem, sort it out with Sky and AOL" (to paraphrase an hour-long conversation!).
I note that Barclays say in respect of their credit card "If any unauthorised transactions occur on your account we will immediately suspend and investigate them for you."
Surely if I tell HSBC they've handed out my cash to someone I've never done business with they should believe me, their customer, and suspend reverse the transactions. I asked HSBC to do this and they said no.

What's the legal position?

grumbler

http://www.hsbc.co.uk/1/2/personal/credit-cards/security :

Make sure you always carefully check the entries on your statement. If you find any unexpected or incorrect transactions, contact us immediately.

They must do the same as Barclaycard: suspend transactions and request proofs from Sky and AOL that you authorised transactions. It is their job, not yours. Read your T&C.
credit card agreement terms (PDF, 55kb) :

...you will not be liable for any losses that arise from any misuse of the Card or Security Details where they are used to buy goods or services remotely, such as over the Internet, by phone or mail order, subject to certain limited exceptions...

You must co-operate with us and the police ... to investigate any unauthorised transactions.

gropinginthedark

A complaint to Head Office by Email has elicited a phone call to say they will reverse the transactions and will be in touch again by post. They are also replacing the card by one with a new number.