As we enter the shopping season, it’s not just customers looking for a great buy, credit card thieves will also be looking for any opportunity to put their purchases on your bill.
Over the past few months, the Valley has seen a rash of credit card skimmers popping up across the Valley all ready to steal your credit information.
Most suspects will likely be used to clone credit cards similar to what a suspect in Mesa did back in August.
Mesa police say the credit card thief then used the cloned card to make three purchases at Safeway, on Main Street.
In a Facebook post Detectives wrote, “The victim was still in possession of his card and does not know how the card number was compromised.”
Here’s how to protect yourself:
When using an ATM or a gas pump look for any tampering or moving parts.
If you’re using a debit card, cover card machines with one hand while you punch in your pin number with the other.
Don’t hold your credit card out in line for all to see, someone could easily get a photo of your card number using a smart phone.
And watch for someone standing too close. Don’t be afraid to politely ask them to stand back while you make your purchase.
If you do find fraudulent charges on your credit or debit card contact your bank or credit card company immediately.
And if you happen to recognize the suspect using closed cards out of Mesa, contact Mesa Police. You can remain anonymous.
