2nd April 2007

UKPIA, the trade association representing the nine main oil refining companies operating in the UK, is aware of instances of card fraud linked to some filling stations,  although in some cases these sites may not be directly owned or managed by a UKPIA member company.

The fraud often centres on the capture of card data from the magnetic stripe rather than the chip. The information is then used to produce a duplicate card that can be used in ATMs abroad where rollout of Chip & PIN has been slower than in the UK.

The companies concerned are working with police, APACs (the UK Payments Association) and equipment providers to prevent recurrence. Information on the methods adopted by fraudsters has been shared by member companies both via UKPIA and the trade body that specialises in security issues for fuel retailers, the British Oil Security Syndicate. As a result, filling stations have increased vigilance and awareness of potential fraudulent practices, and are increasing security. 

Card fraud in the UK has been reduced as a result of the introduction of Chip & PIN and remains a considerably more secure payment option than the use of cash. As with any retail transaction, customers are advised to keep their PIN number secure at all times. If you see anything suspicious about the handling of the transaction or feel concerned that the security of your card has been compromised, inform your bank or card issuing company immediately.

UKPIA and its members are committed to ensuring that customers have confidence in the use of Chip & PIN cards for forecourt transactions. Member companies remain vigilant on this issue and UKPIA will continue its lead role working with the appropriate organisations and other fuel retailing bodies to address the problem.

Notes to editors:

1.      UKPIA represents nine oil refining and marketing companies operating in the UK, which also own approximately 2,200 of the UK's 9,380 service stations, and own and operate the nine crude oil processing refineries in the UK.