Holiday Competition Cold Calls

16/07/2010

Clydesdale and Yorkshire Banks are urging customers not to disclose credit card details in response to unsolicited telephone calls or emails.

Following a number of customer calls, the Banks are advising customers that they are not linked to, nor have any association with, Royalty Travels (www.royaltytravels.com). Customers advise that calls from this company may suggest that they have won a prize holiday from their bank, as credit card or MasterCard provider, or from a entry form completed at a store, and that there is a ‘registration’ or ‘administration’ fee to be paid.

Clydesdale and Yorkshire Banks would like to remind all card customers never to divulge any card or security details to unsolicited callers or emails. The Banks have also issued the following advice on general card security for customers:

• Sign new and replacement cards immediately.
• Destroy old cards by cutting them into pieces and shred all old receipts and bills.
• Don't fax your credit-card number, if possible. Remember, the faxed document could remain in sight at the other end a long period of time.
• Don't give your card number over the phone unless you have initiated the call.
• Destroy any carbon paper if it's used as part of the credit card transaction. Someone could potentially forge your signature.
• Don't respond to any "scam" e-mails requesting your credit card number.
• Never send your credit card number in an e-mail to anyone.
• If you have questions about mistakes or unauthorised items on your statement, contact your bank immediately.
• If your card is lost, stolen, or you suspect fraudulent use, call the bank’s 24-hour hotline immediately to prevent your card from being used.