Can't understand how my credit card was cloned

stars_bright

I had an automated phone call from Egg at 5.30 pm this afternoon, querying a transaction made at 2.46 pm today at Carphone Warehouse. I must say I was very impressed with the speed at which they contacted me. I have been in all afternnon and the card is still in my purse so obviously did not make the transaction and Egg said "no problem" they will cancel the transaction. They said that the card was present at the point of sale and it must have been cloned. I am left wondering how it could have been cloned though. I never use it to take cash out of a machine, I only use it in Tesco, Sainsbury and Tesco Garage. The only exception was that nearly 2 weeks ago I used to to make a deposit payment with Anglian, the salesman took the card and had ot for a while while he wrote down details as proof of my identity and I must admit that I was really watching what he did with it but surely a salesman for such a large company wouldn't risk his job for that? I thought these new chip and pin cards were supposed to stop cedit card fraud? and how did they get my pin? I am very confused but releived that it was spotted by Egg so quickly and I won't loose any money.

ThankYouAndEnjoy!

hello stars_bright


Just because the card was present does not mean that the transaction was attempted using the PIN. Some merchants still use signature as verification for transactions.

My guess (I work in credit fraud for LloydsTSB) is that the transaction did not meet your historical spending criteria (basically, fraud detection systems have criteria for 'spotting' fraudulent usage .. including your previous spends) and was reffered for a 'code 10' authorisation. I bet whomever attempted the transactions has it away on their toes as they would not be able to pass the 'code 10' auth questions.

Im glad your issuer picked up the transaction so quickly. Dont be afraid to use merchants, its your card product and if you need it for a purchase; use it.

My advise now would be to keep an eye on your statement - there may be a few transactions that did not meet 'fraud detection criteria' that may have been authorised. IF you see anything on your statement that is not yours, call your card issuer and they can investigate the transactions; issuing you a refund.

snails's_pace

my parents have had this...2 weeks ago...again CARPHONE WAREHOUSE!

simongregson

I wouldn't blame carphone warehouse, I am sure that mobile phone shops are popular with card thieves to buy goods with stolen or cloned cards, as the phone is readily sellable for cash.

stars_bright

Im just wondring how anyone managed to clone my card as I only used it in Tesco, Sainsbury and for the Anglian purchase?

xplora

stars_bright wrote: »

Im just wondring how anyone managed to clone my card as I only used it in Tesco, Sainsbury and for the Anglian purchase?

There are many facts, i use one of my card just for Tesco. However one day someone cloned my card as well (for twice), the bank unable to explain what happened. Based on my experience, some people in tesco or the bank people got your credit card information then they clone it?

Noz

stars_bright wrote: »

Im just wondring how anyone managed to clone my card as I only used it in Tesco, Sainsbury and for the Anglian purchase?

Could have happened at any of these places

Reaper

All it takes is one corrupt emplyee with a handheld swiper. They pass it through the device in their hand before placing it in the real machine. It's very hard to spot.

Here is one of many stories where it happened:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6578595.stm