Source: Savantor
A new YouGov survey studying the uptake and issues surrounding chip and PIN usage across the UK brings some reassuring news - but also highlights some worrying new security threats.
Commissioned by Savantor, one of the leading international experts in cards, payments, transaction processing and banking, the study canvassed opinion from 2000 adults from all social grades and geographic regions.
Key findings indicate that 96% of the adult population are now aware of the term 'chip and PIN'. Other findings include:
Men lead women in their level of 'chip and PIN' awareness by just 97% to 95% The under 50s are more au fait than the over 50s with 98% and 93% respectively now aware of the term 'chip and PIN' Social grade wise, the difference is a tiny 1% - 96% of ABC1 and 95% C2DE are now aware of the term 'chip and PIN' Those in Scotland (97%) and the south of England (98%) are more aware of the term 'chip and PIN'. London and the Midlands and Wales both rate 95% and the north of England trails with 94%
When it comes to usage, perhaps surprisingly, 54% of respondents have actually used their chip and PIN card 'in anger'. Other findings include: Even though more men were aware of chip and PIN, more woman have actually used it - 58% of women and 50% of men The 18-29 year olds were far more prolific - 61% have used their chip and PIN card compared to 52% of the over 30s 57% of ABC1 respondents have used their chip and PIN card compared to 50% of C2DE respondents London leads the way with 59% having have used their chip and PIN card followed - actually as you move steadily northwards - with the south of England (56%), midlands and Wales (55%), the north (52%) and Scotland with a miserly 43% - especially given the fact that the Scots were so 'aware'
Geoffrey Down, Savantor's managing director, commenting on the results of the survey, said: "Despite the slight variances between ages, regions and so on, we're delighted to see that the chip and PIN message is definitely getting through. This is already having far reaching benefits in the fight against card fraud but the need to be ever vigilant is no less as the fraudsters desperately move to exploit new opportunities.
"Only this week we've seen figures from the Association of Payment Clearing Services (Apacs) claiming that total card fraud increased in the year to June 2004 by 18% to £478.8 million. And cash machine crime - although 82% feel safe using cash machines - is the fastest growing area of card fraud growing at an astonishing 85%! The things that people need to watch out for include 'shoulder surfing', writing down their PIN numbers and even technological devices such as skimmers that attach physically to the ATM and 'read' your card details".