Shoppers should use caution when using credit cards
Based on an increase in reported fraud cases over the Christmas season, State Rep. Paul Opsommer is urging local residents to be aware of scammers using new ways to steal credit card numbers.
Scammers using electronic pickpocket devices have been stealing customer credit card information at local stores, restaurants, ATM’s and gas pumps. In some cases actual employees at the stores have been the ones committing the crime.
“Consumers need to keep their guard up and be aware of this kind of fraud, which can cost them not just money and time but can hurt their credit scores,” said Opsommer, R-DeWitt. “Shoppers should closely guard their credit card information and check their statements frequently. With so many people doing things online, it is easy to forget to go over your statements on a line by line basis.”
The Better Business Bureau has put out recent releases that highlight several new fraudulent trends. ATMs or gas pumps have had duplicate skimmers attached to them, or employees at establishments have skimmed cards when they are out of the consumer’s sight. The BBB is also looking into cases where certain information is being remotely read off of credit cards that use wireless computer chips.
“If there is something that looks unusual or out of the ordinary at the ATM, something that wasn’t there the week before, don’t use it and go inside and ask if they have added new equipment,” said Opsommer. “If any device or employee makes you suspicious, sometimes it is better to be on the safe side. Always keep your card in view and when in doubt simply pay with cash. You should never feel bad about asking to talk to a manager if you think something is not right.”
Opsommer encourages people to visit Better Business Bureau websites to learn more and to contact their credit card companies immediately if they see charges on their statement that seem inaccurate, even if they are from merchants they frequently visit.