July 18, 2006

Credit card provider Barclaycard has issued guidance to cardholders on the areas in which to be most cautious over credit card fraud when on their holidays.

Top of the list for fraud on UK cards is Turkey, the company states, followed by France, Spain and the United States.

Some 56 per cent of all foreign fraud that Barclaycard recorded last year took place in these four countries.

They are joined in the top ten list by Italy, China, Thailand, Ireland, India and the Netherlands.

"I'm not surprised to see destinations popular with British holidaymakers at the top of the list – more tourists means more cards that can be lost or stolen," said Martin Warwick, head of Barclaycard fraud operations.

"However, I'd remind cardholders that taking their card abroad is still safer than carrying cash, as cardholders are not held liable for any losses from fraudulent activity."

Barclaycard's products contain a Falcon fraud detection system which monitors spending in foreign countries and checks this for signs of possible fraudulent activity.

The company also issues some advice for staying safe when using cards abroad, such as informing your provider with your destination and dates for them to check against any other overseas use and keeping an eye on your card when using it abroad in locations such as shops and restaurants.