Does my credit card cover me for online fraud?

Yes, your credit card will cover you for online fraud.

In the UK, you have the same cover as you would ordering products over the phone.

If someone were to steal your credit card number and use it illegally online, for instance, it is the same as if they had stolen your card in the 'real world', and you will get the same level of protection from your credit card issuer.

What is 'online fraud'
Online fraud covers the same areas as regular fraud. This includes things like online scams, where you think you are buying something but in reality the 'company' is planning on running off with your credit card details and your money!

But you'll also be covered when you buy goods from a company that goes bust before the goods can be delivered.

Or, if the things you've bought arrive broken or damaged in some way, or are just not what you ordered.

Credit card companies
Some credit cards will make a big song-and-dance about offering you 'online fraud protection'.

In reality, you get fraud protection with all credit cards. The Consumer Credit Act 1974 and the European E-commerce Directive 2002 ensure that all consumers are protected from fraud whenever they use their credit cards.

That includes when they use their cards online. So, essentially using your credit card online is no different from using it in the 'real world'.

Take care
If you do find yourself a victim of online fraud, contact your credit card issuer as you would normally, and they will tell you how to proceed.

It's important though that you have not done anything that your credit card company may think makes you liable.

So, for example, if you have sent your credit card details in an e-mail to a company - rather than using secure shopping - it could be argued that some of the fault was your own.

In these cases, credit card companies could refuse to cover any money you have lost.