While the credit cards come out at Christmas time, police would like to remind businesses and consumers to be aware and cautious about the potential for credit card fraud.
Since November, a number of businesses in Red Deer have reported to the RCMP of being victimized by individuals and groups using stolen, cancelled or otherwise defunct credit cards.
Police said suspects attempt to buy a large quantity of merchandise using a credit card. During the attempted transaction an error message will appear on the pin pad after the card has been swiped. Allegedly the suspect(s) then manipulate the pin pad in some manner, allowing the sale to be processed. They then leave the store with the merchandise.
Later, the credit card company will contact the business and inform them of the fraud.
To mitigate the potential for credit card fraud, police suggest businesses advise their staff to not manually enter any credit card number and to observe customers when they are in possession of the pin pad.
If anyone has information about this crime or any other, call the Red Deer City RCMP at 403-343-5575. Those who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.tipsubmit.com.