Tobacco smuggling fraud causing taxpayers extra money

Fraud causes higher taxes and regular pricing so we all need to guard against it whenever possible.

09:27 03 August 2013

Concern about a tobacco smuggling problem has been raised and MPs have launched an inquiry. It is believed the high duties on tobacco were cited as a factor in the market for smuggled tobacco.

 

The cost of this type of fraud is believed to be adding up to £2billion per year for taxpayers. This isn’t the only type of fraud that people may need to be aware of. Debit card and credit card information is also susceptible to fraud, but under different circumstances. 

 

• Protect your credit card or debit card when conducting transactions. Visit locations that allow you to run the card through the machine yourself. Avoid businesses that have employees take your card to process the transaction in another room, or any place out of sight. You should be able to keep an eye on your card at all times. 

 

• Do not save your personal information online if you don’t need to. If you can avoid saving your personal information online, including debit card and credit card numbers, than you reduce the risk of having your information accessed by unauthorised entities. 

 

• Whether or not you shop online, you should make sure you have a decent antivirus programme on your computer to combat any threats that could compromise your credit card, debit card, or personal identification information. Storing such information on your computer, even if it is saved in a programme which does not use internet, means that it is at risk. 

 

• Keep track of any sources that have your credit card, debit card, or personal information on them. Media cards, USB drives, CDs, and any other storage devices should be password protected whenever possible. Have a system of organisation to prevent important storage devices from being misplaced or damaged. 

 

• Review your debit card and credit card statements each month for any unusual transactions. The sooner you report issues, the less damage you’ll experience.