Lost Credit Card Claims Climb 19 Percent During the Holidays

PNC Tells Holiday Shoppers to Stay Alert

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Nov 22, 2011, 08:00 ET

PITTSBURGH, Nov. 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Reports of lost or stolen credit and debit cards jump an average of 19 percent in November and December compared to the rest of the year, according to PNC Bank. The country's fifth largest bank reviewed its reports of lost and stolen credit and debit cards from 2008 through 2010 and found holiday shoppers can be a little forgetful.

"Holiday shopping can be a hectic experience," said Mark Ford, consumer credit and debit card expert at PNC Bank. "Losing a credit or debit card, whether by theft or by accident, is often a preventable problem."

PNC says one reason for the increase in the number of lost and stolen credit and debit cards during the holiday season is simply increased usage of credit and debit cards -- combined with the confusion and chaos of long lines and packed stores.

The fraud fighters at PNC suggest four easy ways to keep tabs on your plastic:

Four Ways to Keep Your Cards

Know where your cards are at all times, and never leave your wallet or purse unattended - even for a minute.
Never give your credit or debit card account number or PINs to anyone you don't know over the computer or the phone.
Don't allow anyone else to use your credit or debit card and never co-sign for a card that will be used by another person without your supervision.
Be sure to get your card back when you use it for purchases. Also be sure you can see your card at all times when it's being used for a transaction.

If Your Card is Lost or Stolen

Call your bank and let them know your credit or debit card has been lost or stolen.
File a report with the police and get a copy of it for your records.
Change you PIN, and password immediately.

More information on preventing credit and debit card fraud can be found in the Security Assurance section on PNC.com.

PNC Bank, National Association, is a member of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: PNC). PNC (www.pnc.com) is one of the nation's largest diversified financial services organizations providing retail and business banking; residential mortgage banking; specialized services for corporations and government entities, including corporate banking, real estate finance and asset-based lending; wealth management and asset management. Follow @PNCNews on Twitter for breaking news and announcements from PNC.

CONTACT:

Emily Krull
(412) 762-4550
[email protected]

SOURCE PNC Bank