Saturday, March 17, 2012

Credit card fraud warning for Whitsundays

Police are reminding the community to be alert for credit card fraud following a number of recent fraudulent transactions reported in the Whitsunday area.
Information suggests a man portrays himself in need of emergency assistance and then obtains credit card details from his victims. A number of unauthorised transactions have allegedly occurred in the Whitsunday area since March 6.
The man is described as Caucasian, approximately 172cm tall with a slim to medium build and short light brown hair.
To avoid becoming a victim of credit and debit card fraud members of the public are advised to regularly check their credit card reports for unauthorised transactions.
Some helpful tips include:
• be very circumspect to whom you provide your credit card details to. There are many social welfare organisations readily available to help people in need of emergency assistance;
• arrange to personally collect new or replacement cards from your financial institution;
• ensure you keep your credit card and debit card secure;
• never keep your PIN number with your card;
• when using an ATM, be aware of anyone standing close by or watching over you;
• take steps to conceal the keypad when you enter your PIN; and
• when paying for goods or services at a point of sale, don’t allow your debit or credit card out of your sight.
Comprehensive information in relation to all sorts of scams and dubious schemes is available at www.scamwatch.gov.au
Anyone with information which could assist police with their investigations should contact Crime Stoppers anonymously via 1800 333 000 or crimestoppers.com.au 24hrs a day.

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