A TOWN centre retailer has been rewarded with £500 after foiling a credit card fraudster.

David Cowgill, who runs Cowgill's Toy Shop and Stationers in Market Place, Clitheroe, has been named Fraudbuster of the Month.

The award is part of the national Card Watch scheme run by the banking industry to reduce credit card theft and fraud.

The scheme is the brainchild of the Association for Payment Clearing Services and Crimestoppers.

David said: "I've withheld numerous cards over the years, but the latest incident was when a young man came into the shop and tried to buy something with a card that had a woman's name on it.

"As well as ensuring checking procedures are followed when processing card transactions, I am very wary of suspicious behaviour," he said.

A spokesman for Card Watch said plastic card criminals were deterred by careful and efficient staff.

"Conscientious retailers like David are invaluable in the fight against plastic card fraud, which cost banks and building societies £135million last year.

"Staff should never put themselves at risk, but following simple checking procedures can really help with the battle to combat card fraud. Fraudbuster of the Month is an important part of our campaign."

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