Don’t use credit cards

CLAIMING he was a recent victim of credit card fraud, Barataria/San Juan MP Dr Fuad Khan yesterday called on the local banking sector to take cognisance of the fact that “credit card fraud is rampant, now more than ever before.” The Opposition MP went further, urging the population “to refrain from using their credit cards or use it sparingly as a form of protest until more stringent security measures are put in place.” In a statement, Khan said: “With myself being a victim, I am all too familiar with the weaknesses in the system.

“Today, it isn’t easy to lose $60,000 and not feel the pain, no matter what the person’s standing in society. “I hereby call on the local banking community to implement more stringent measures that will lead to a reduction in credit card fraud.” Among the recommendations made by Khan to local commercial banks to curb credit card fraud are: advising clients to follow credit cards to the point of sale; replace the strip on the back of credit cards with a notice which states “refer to picture identification for verification,” creation of a 24-hour direct link between the bank security network and the police to ensure prompt and efficient investigation of questionable transactions and greater responsibility on the part of credit card users (never give personal identification numbers to anyone and always be aware of their cards’ whereabouts).