Tuesday 21st of December 2010
Individuals who are already having a hard time trying to manage spiralling debts might want to take action to prevent their shopping habits pushing them even further into the red.
Sarah Blaney, card fraud expert at CCP, said consumers need to be extra vigilant when heading out with the intention of using their credit cards.
The expert advised shoppers - who may need to ask individual voluntary arrangement (IVA) questions should their debts worsen - to only carry with them the plastic they need.
She observed: "If you know that you are only going to be spending on one or two, then that's all you really need to take."
People out on the high street should endeavour to keep their belongings with them at all times and never leave them unattended - such as placing handbags on the back of chairs while dining, Ms Blaney added.
And people struggling financially could find they require IVA answers at the beginning of next year as head of banking at moneysupermarket.com Kevin Mountford recently advised Brits to review their money situation before January.
By Chris King
