4:29pm Tuesday 30th September 2008
By Oliver Evans
SUPERMARKET Asda has launched a fraud inquiry after High Wycombe customers reported their card had been used illegally after visiting the store.
The retailer today promised customers at its Cressex store would get their money back after the fraud, which one customer said saw £1,400 withdrawn from ATM machines in the US and Pakistan.
About half a dozen chip and pin machines were removed as part of the investigation at the Holmes Farm Way store.
A statement from ASDA said: “We are aware of the situation and can confirm we have had a number of customers contact the High Wycombe store to say they've had fraudulent activity on their credit or debit cards and we are currently investigating this in conjunction with the banks and the police.
“At Asda the safety and security of customer data is of utmost importance to us. Importantly, any innocent customer who is the victim of any type of card fraud is protected by the Banking Code, which means that they will not lose out financially.
“As with all their financial transactions, customers always need to be extra vigilant when they use their credit or debit cards and should always report anything suspicious or strange to their bank or credit card provider.”
It said: “Customers can be assured that we are taking all the necessary steps to ensure the continued safety and security of customer data.
“As with all issues around card security we work very closely with all the relevant authorities to ensure that everything possible is done to mitigate fraudulent activity and to continue to develop technology to stay ahead of fraudsters.”
One customer, who wished to remain anonymous, said he had had £1,400 stolen from US and Pakistan through more than 25 withdrawals.
He said his mother had also had £300 stolen after shopping at the store.
He said: “I was absolutely shocked, I couldn’t believe it. When chip and pin came in you thought this sort of thing wouldn’t happen any more – that is clearly not the case.”
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