what happens if you are a victim of card fraud?

* In the first instance you should contact your card company.

* Do not report the matter to the DCPCU as they cannot accept individual cases.

The UK Banking Code (www.bankingcode.org.uk) is a voluntary code which sets out standards for good banking practice, including limiting liability for cardholders who are victims of fraud.

Under the Code, if someone else uses your card before you tell your card issuer it has been lost or stolen or that someone else knows your PIN, the most you will have to pay, in theory, is £50.

In practice the bank or building society will usually refund the full amount lost. But if you were negligent, for example, by keeping your PIN near your card, you would have to meet all the losses.

If your card is used fraudulently but you still have the card in your possession you will not be liable to pay for any part of the losses. You would probably still have your card in your possession if you are a victim of counterfeit skimming or card-not-present fraud.