LCSO: Credit Cards Compromised
Written by WBTA STAFF on February 6, 2018
Press Release:
AVON-LIMA-LIVONIA: Sheriff Thomas J. Dougherty reports that the Sheriff’s Office has received over 20 complaints from Livonia, Avon, and Lima residents reporting that their credit cards have been fraudulently used at various Walmart stores throughout New York State since December 14, 2017.
The Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division is currently conducting the investigation into where the credit cards were compromised and the suspects responsible for using the credit card information.
It is believed that most, if not all, of the cards were compromised at a gas pump where a skimming device captured the user’s credit card information. Sheriff’s Investigators are attempting to find a common source for the victims of the theft and are working with area gas stations to ensure their gas pumps have not been compromised.
Sheriff Dougherty urges residents to check their credit card activity for any suspicious activity and to alert their bank and contact the Sheriff’s Office at 243-7100 if any unauthorized activity has occurred.
Some tips on how to avoid falling victim if credit card skimming:
– Paying in cash is the most effective defense against skimmers.
– Use a credit card, not a debit card, since credit cards have better fraud protection, and the money is not deducted immediately from an account.
– If using a debit card at a pump, choose to run it as a credit card rather than punch in a PIN number.
– Check to make sure the gas pump dispenser cabinet is closed and shows no signs of tampering.
– Choose the pump closest to the station’s clerk. Thieves often place skimmers at pumps farther away from the store.
