How often do you suffer credit card fraud?

[bendmeoverbackwards]

I seem to have a fraudulent transaction on my credit card at least once a year. Each time CC company put a stop on the card and re-issue a new number which is such a pain to change everything I use it for.

I do shop online a lot but am careful and only use reputable sites.

Is there anything I can do to stop it happening? Or are some CC companies better than others at preventing fraud?

Not once despite having 2 or 3 at a time for over 20 years! Sounds like you have been very unlucky.

To be honest if you are getting that many then you are not being as careful as you think you are.
I dont know a single person in my immediate family and friends group that this has happened to. It is mire likely to be your own security than your credit card companies that is causing this.

So what can I do to prevent it?

Never

Not for ages - about 7 or 8 years ago both DH and I would have it happen every six months or so but I do think it’s tougher with multi factor authentication etc now.

Do you ever use unsecured WiFi? Eg hotspots in pubs, shops etc? That's how I got done. Now I only use 4G, I never use free WiFi.

Ok

Is it just credit cards or debit cards?

With debits cards best to withdraw money and use cash on a daily basis- use the cash machines that are inside the bank rather than on a street.

You can use a special wallet to protect your cards from unauthorised contact less transactions.

Only use verified web pages- but try and go via paypal if possible. Only use credit card minimally.

Avoid contact less payments.

Once you've used your cards on website, dont save the details e.g. delete card details from amazon etc

Dont throw out any bank statements- burn/ shred them

Will post more if I think of them

Once in the last 15 years. I'm unsure how it happened.

If you find that it happens a lot for you then you might consider using a company that can give you a single usage, virtual credit card number for any online sites that you only use occasionally or as a once off. Revolut do it and others too. I also use Paypal whenever it's offered as that means the website I'm buying from won't have my credit card details.

When using you card and inputting pin- always cover the numbers with other hand- either at cash machine or when paying in the shop.

Never.
Get one card only for online use, with a low limit - add cash to the card beforehand (day or two) to spend a larger amount.
Use a different password for each site you have to sign into. A pain, but necessary.
CHeck the site is secure - padlock on top left etc. Does it have genuine sounding reviews if not a high street name? Is it too good a bargain to be true? Avoid if so.
If possible pay by Paypal, opting to enter card details through Paypal (additional protection via Paypal)
Never save your card details to any shopping cart, if Amazon there's no option but go back and delete it after.

I’ve had it twice on a debit card. No idea how but it was easily sorted.

I have two factor authentication on my cc so I have to log into my banking app if it’s a new retailer or more than I usually spend.

It’s just my credit card, I’ve never had a problem with my debit card.

Do you mean any public wifi? I sometimes use wifi in shops and restaurants etc that require a password. Should I not use them?

I've had some fraudulent transactions - one was eBay / PayPal and one was Deliveroo where I'd saved the credit card. I don't save payment methods anymore - not happy to find I'd bought someone in Hull and someone in east London a takeout and a load of shopping from co-op! ( red wine and steak if you please!)

Neither OH nor myself have ever suffered a card fraud, and that's despite us having several cards between us and having used them extensively for all kinds of things (from small value contactless up to paying for a £15k car and lots inbetween), and also extensive use abroad, all since probably 30 years ago.

I had my cards stolen whilst on holiday in Rome (as do most people by the sounds of it) and even then none were used - I was looking at my online bank accounts several times a day for the few days after waiting for at least a contactless purchase at a McDonalds or similar, but no, not even that!

I suspect you're using unscrupulous websites without realising it, we only buy online from respected websites, such as High St brands, Amazon, Paypal, etc., and certainly never any of those cheap and easy sites linked back from social media (Shopify websites etc) where literally anyone can create a professional "looking" website in just a few minutes - the clues are usually there if you look deep enough, i.e. no legal company name & registered office address (legal requirements, so if not shown, it's an obvious red flag).

I think it's more secure with a password, but I just don't bother at all any more. I think I got done via the free WiFi in a hotel chain but I can't remember if you had to log in. Luckily I didn't get stung for much, and my bank refunded everything, but it's made me very wary.