Criminals have incentive to trick you into revealing your Pin.

Byline: JANE HALL

MOST people will have to use Chip and Pin where the retailer has the technology after February 14. But there are a number of exceptions who will be able to continue to sign even after this date. These are:

Cardholders with any cards which have not yet been upgraded to Chip and Pin.

Cardholders with cards from countries that have yet to upgrade.

Disabled cardholders who have a chip and signature card.

Neither will all transactions require a Pin. You will still be able to pay by cheque and use your card for verification without needing to provide your Pin.

And you won't need your Pin for mail order, telephone or internet purchases.

If a website or salesperson asks for your Pin, don't disclose it. And never send card details or Pins in response to emails that appear to come from your bank, building society or card issuer.

These organisations will never email you asking for personal details. These messages will have come from fraudsters engaging in what is known in the trade as "phishing".

Criminals have a real incentive to trick you into revealing your Pin because it is extremely difficult to access the number if your card is stolen.