Friday 8th February 2008
Figures from security group CPP show the typical Briton waits up to ten hours before reporting a lost or stolen credit card as missing.
Security expert at the firm Danny Harrison urges consumers not to delay if they are to minimise the risk of falling victim to fraud.
But he notes that, for many people, the ten-hour interim period may not be down to laziness but to a sense of optimism.
He explains: "This could be that they are not sure that it is gone, but it could also be down to them thinking it may just be here.
"If you are concerned as to where your cards are you should contact your bank immediately."
Meanwhile, Mr Harrison warns that credit card fraud is on the increase as criminals know any losses are typically covered by banks and not by the individual.
This is helping to establish a sense of such activities as being a "victimless crime", he argues.
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