| Many people in the UK have more than one credit | | | | However, much of the fraud carried out using credit |
| card, and in some cases people decide to use one of | | | | cards is CNP or Card Not Present fraud, where the |
| their credit cards for regular use and another for | | | | fraudster does not need to actually have possession |
| emergencies only. | | | | of your credit card in order to conduct fraudulent |
| However, it is important to remember that having a | | | | activity. You actually need to close the account |
| credit card account that lies mainly dormant can | | | | altogether in order to stop the risk of becoming a |
| actually be something of a risk, and could result in you | | | | victim of fraud. |
| being charged unnecessary fees by the credit card | | | | Industry officials recommend that those with a credit |
| providers or even becoming a victim of credit card | | | | card that is not used very often try to use the card at |
| fraud. | | | | least once per month in order to keep it active. This |
| Whilst some people think that having a credit card for | | | | can help to ensure that you are not charged for |
| emergencies only is a good idea, credit card | | | | nothing by the credit card firm. However, more |
| companies tend to take a dim view of this. Why? | | | | importantly it will ensure that you receive a statement |
| Because they have to still deal with the administration | | | | from the credit card firm each month, which you can |
| of the account even though the customer is not really | | | | then check to ensure that no suspicious activity has |
| using the account. As a result of this some providers | | | | been carried out using your card. |
| have started applying fees on accounts that are rarely | | | | It's also important to know the level of credit card |
| or never used. | | | | security your issuer offers you, from fraud guarantees |
| However, this is not the main problem for people that | | | | to active fraud monitoring and even identity theft |
| do not use their credit card accounts very often. The | | | | protection services. |
| main risk is becoming the victim of credit card fraud, as | | | | It can also help to use free credit report services, such |
| many fraudsters target dormant credit card account, | | | | as Experian or Equifax. For a small monthly fee |
| safe in the knowledge that the fraudulent activity | | | | (usually less than £10) they will monitor your |
| probably won't be picked up for some time because | | | | entire credit file and alert you to any changes such as |
| of the fact that the account is rarely used. | | | | newly opened accounts, closed accounts, address |
| Some people even think that if they cut up the credit | | | | changes and more. These services can help to |
| card on a dormant account this will stop them from | | | | prevent credit card fraud and identity theft. |
| becoming victims of identity theft and credit card fraud. | | | | |