Salmo RCMP investigate credit card fraud
By Nelson Daily Staff
Salmo RCMP is advising the public to contact the detachment if anyone has credit cards problems after a report was recently received said Cpl Riordan Bellman in a media release.
“Salmo RCMP is currently investigating fraudulently compromised credit cards from area financial institutions,” Bellman said.
“If you have had your credit card compromised, report it to the financial institution and to the local police.”
Bellman added, “financial institutions may alert local police of current issues of fraud but do not divulge the names of those affected to police so it is incumbent on each individual to call local police and provide details.”
Bellman said credit card fraud can happen several ways.
“(A person’s) card could be lost or stolen and used to purchase goods and services,’ he explained.
“A criminal could obtain your card number and expiry date and use this information to buy merchandise by phone or over the Internet.
“Or criminals could tamper with payment terminals at retailers to obtain your card information and create a counterfeit credit card.
Here are some tips to that you can take to protect yourself:
- Report a lost or stolen card as soon as you notice it is gone. Your card issuer will cancel your card and issue you a new one.
- If you have a chip card, insert first. If the store terminal isn’t chip capable it will prompt you to swipe. This will protect you from having your card skimmed. And always remember to take your card when the transaction is done.
- Choose a PIN that could not be easily detected if your card is lost or stolen – don’t use your birth date or address, never lend your card or disclose your PIN to anyone else.
- Make it a habit to regularly check your transactions online or on your monthly statement. If there are any charges that you didn’t make, report them to your card issuer right away.
- Never give out your card number over the phone or Internet unless you know you are dealing with a reputable company.
- Protect your Personal Identification Number (PIN): don’t share it with anyone or write it down, memorize it.
- Sometimes scammers will try to trick people into revealing information about their credit cards either over the phone or through e-mail.
- It’s important to know that your credit card company or bank would never call to ask for personal information like your credit card number, expiry number, PIN, or the security number on the back of your card.
- Protect your credit card like you protect your cash. Never leave them unattended in your car or at work.
