Credit card fraud unit has saved £315 million
The specialist police unit which tackles credit card fraud has marked its seventh anniversary by saving £315 million.
The Dedicated Cheque and Plastic Crime Unit (DCPCU) has recovered more than 45,000 credit cards and almost 290,000 compromised card numbers since its launch in 2002.
The unit has also successfully secured 240 convictions on fraud related matters.
Comprising of officers from the Metropolitan and City of London police forces, the unit is sponsored by the banking industry. The industry pays £5 million a year to keep the unit going.
Sandra Quinn, director of corporate communications at the DCPCU, said: "Not only does the unit stand on its merits as a successful model for other countries to follow, but it provides real benefit when tackling the organised criminal gangs behind financial fraud."
According to Apacs, the travel and tourism industry attracts online fraud because flights are an appealing purchase for those using stolen credit cards.
Written by Marcus Jenkins ©
