THE introduction by the issuers of credit cards to reduce fraud with the introduction of ?the Chip and Pin? is a laudable attempt because each fraudulent transaction is a further cost that each and every user bears in proportion. However, there is a huge potential ?time bomb? which seems as though it is not being addressed as the volume of purchases from mail order increases and that is the readiness to pass one?s number over the telephone with relevant expiry dates and other information that a forger needs to produce a duplicate card and so pledge the name of that cardholder to significant credit. The first that you (the entitled owner) know is when the statement arrives. An avenue that is apparently being used is the numerous call centres that are springing up both in this country and of course the sub continent, where a dishonest employee can access literally hundreds of records and either in conjunction with someone else produce cards for their use or sell them to a third party. I recount this story as last week I received a letter thanking me for staying at a hotel in the Cotswolds and hoping I enjoyed my stay. I have apparently since then stayed at other hotels in the south of England. Had the courteous letter of appreciation not arrived when it did I could have been very seriously inconvenienced when using my card as I would not have reported it lost or stolen and so been liable. As it happens my cards are now being monitored in an attempt to trap the new user but that will not be a course open to everyone otherwise the system would grind to a halt. So don?t be profligate with your personal details and perhaps only deal with firms and businesses that you know will treat any information with real care. That I realise is virtually impossible but do not say you have not been warned. Derek Godfrey-Brown Larkbeare Okehampton