Asda fraud probe: "no police reports"

8:40am Thursday 2nd October 2008

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POLICE said they have not received an direct reports or made arrests over a major credit card fraud at Asda in High Wycombe.

The supermarket has said it is conducting an inquiry after customers found cash had been stolen using their cards – but guaranteed no-one would lose out.

One customer said he had £1,400 withdrawn from ATM machines in the US and Pakistan.

Jon Brewer, Thames Valley Police fraud investigator, said: “We are aware that a number of card fraud incidents have occurred at Asda in Cressex, however we have not received any direct reports relating to the incidents at this time.

“We will continue our enquiries and I ask that anyone who has been a victim of card fraud at the store to call the Police Enquiry line on 0845 8 505 505.”

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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