Fargo’s Fraud Squad – Credit Card Skimming: Recheck, Remember and Record | The Mighty 790 KFGO

Fargo Detective Phil Swan joins IT2 to remind citizens that credit card skimming is taking place in our communities every day. Individuals can help deter fraudsters in a variety of ways.

First off, if you feel that you are the victim of a scam – REPORT IT IMMEDIATELY TO YOUR FINANCIAL INSTITUTION AND LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT. Catching someone who is stealing your banking information can be like trying to capture smoke in your hands, but closing the time gap between the theft and the reporting will help the investigation.

Here are some tips Detective Swan would like you to know.

1. Fraudsters will use small electronic machines to read the information on your card, so inspect the ATM, gas pump or other device that you are being asked to insert your card into.

2. Keep your card in sight at all times. Do not hand over your card to a stranger who can double swipe outside your range of vision. For example, pay cash at a restaurant instead of blindly handing over your credit card to a server.

3. Check your records often. Not all charges will be for $10,000 – fraudsters will make small transactions (such as $4.00) to test the card to see if it is working. Keeping good records and matching receipts to charges will help you keep a tight lid on fraud attempts.

4. Be smart when interacting with individuals who contact you out of the blue. An old neighbor or college friend you don’t regularly text suddenly sends you a link, it’s probably a scam. Allowing yourself to be accessed by anyone who happens to have your phone number can be dangerous.

Detective Swan, Fargo PD, in the KFGO Studio

Fargo’s Fraud Squad – Credit Card Skimming: Recheck, Remember and Record

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