| Skimming is a crime that occurs by obtaining the data | | | | using a cell phone to take pictures of the card. |
| off your credit card at the time of sale and using that | | | | If you witness any of the above conditions, contact |
| information to make counterfeit cards or buy items | | | | your card merchant right away. |
| using the data. A dishonest employee such as a hotel | | | | Warning Signs of Credit Card Fraud |
| cashier or restaurant waiter will use a small electronic | | | | Be on the lookout for customers who: |
| machine such as a PDA that is equipped with a card | | | | - Buy a lot of merchandise with no regard to size, |
| reader to swipe the customer's information when | | | | style, price, or color. |
| nobody is watching. The information can then be | | | | - Ask no questions on large purchases. |
| applied to the magnetic strip of a counterfeit card. | | | | - Attempt to distract or hurry you during the sale. |
| Even though skimming is many times a high-tech | | | | - Make purchases and come back later to make |
| enterprise, it does not require the use of card readers | | | | additional purchases. |
| and/or computer equipment. An employee who writes | | | | - Make big purchases at the opening or at the last |
| down the card information is just as guilty as | | | | minute when the store is about to close. |
| somebody using high technology means. Avoid this | | | | - Refuse to have the goods delivered for free on |
| situation when possible. MasterCard, Visa, American | | | | larger items. |
| Express, and Discover will fine merchants who are | | | | If you suspect fraud going on: |
| destined to be a "point of weakness" in this form of | | | | - Detain the customer's credit card nonchalantly. |
| credit card fraud. | | | | - Follow your company's procedures regarding |
| Meanwhile, Visa will reward $1,000 to anybody who | | | | possible fraud and notify your manager. |
| furnishes information leading to the arrest of a | | | | - Contact your voice authorization center and ask for |
| "skimmer." Therefore, be vigilant when it comes to | | | | a "Code 10" authorization in a very normal tone of |
| employee fraud. | | | | voice so as not to alert the customer. The counselor |
| How to Prevent Credit Card Skimming | | | | will advise you on what to do. |
| At your job: | | | | Caution: Always maintain safety at all times to yourself |
| - Look out for anybody using any electronic device | | | | and those around you. |
| that is not part of your daily routine. | | | | There are lots of fraud schemes out there such as |
| - Be suspicious of anybody offering you money to | | | | the credit card skimming. It is up to you to educate |
| record credit card account information. | | | | yourself to recognize what is and is not legitimate. By |
| - Be suspicious of anybody asking for customer | | | | doing so, you can minimize becoming a victim to the |
| account information over the phone. | | | | crime of credit card skimming. |
| - Look out for the latest con game which involves | | | | |