UK payments agency Apacs and the UK Petroleum Industry Association have launched a campaign about the importance of shielding PIN numbers when paying by debit or credit card.

From 5-12 November, customers who pay electronically at UK petrol stations will be handed an advice card reminding them to remain vigilant to the risks of fraud.

The card will contain three messages including “Guard your card: don't let your card out of your sight when making a transaction”, and “Shield your PIN: use your free hand and your body to shield your PIN from any prying eyes or hidden cameras”.

Apacs aims to distribute 14 million advice cards during the campaign.

Research from Apacs found that a fifth of all cardholders “rarely” or “never” shield their PIN when entering it at a cash machine. It also found that one in four people used the same PIN for all their cards.

Sandra Quinn, a representative for Apacs, said: "Chip and PIN has been hugely successful in reducing card fraud in the UK but that does not mean that we can lower our guard.”

She referred to figures that found card fraud losses on the UK high street had dropped by 67 per cent in the last three years as a result of the Chip and PIN system.

“Tackling card fraud requires a multi-layered approach and the banking industry continues to work with retailers, law enforcement, the Home Office and organisations such as Crimestoppers to achieve this,” Quinn added.

Chris Hunt, director general of the UK Petroleum Industry Association, said: "The fight against fraud is a shared responsibility. During this campaign [our staff] will be issuing advice cards to customers reminding them to keep their card details safe and secure at all times."

To further support its campaign, Apacs has also published a guide to educate consumers on the necessary safety procedures required for making card payments. Protect your PIN is available free from the Cardwatch website.