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Credit Card Skimming
Because of credit card skimming, consumers aren't the only ones concerned about credit card theft.
 Skimming is a crime that involves grabbing the data off of your credit card at the point of sale and using that data to manufacture counterfeit credit cards
or purchase items using the data. A dishonest employee such as a grocery checker or restaurant waiter will use a small electronic device, such as a PDA
hooked to a card reader, to swipe a customer's card if no one is looking. The credit card data can then be applied to the magnetic stripe of a phony card.
While skimming is often a high-tech endeavor, it doesn't necessarily require card readers and cumputer equipment. Simply put, an employee who gathers credit
card information and writes it down is just as much of a threat as his tech-savvy counterpart. Prevent this from happening. MasterCard will assess fines on
merchants who are determined to be a "point of weakness" in preventing employee fraud.
Meanwhile, Visa pays a reward of $1,000 to anyone who provides information leading to the arrest of a "skimmer," so it can literally pay to be vigilant
about employee fraud.
How to avoid Credit Card Skimming
In your workplace:
- Watch for anyone using a device that is not part of your daily activities.
- If anyone offers you money to record account information
- If anyone asks for customer account information over the phone
- Watch for the newest con game which is using a photo cell phone to take a picture of the care.
If any of the above occurs contact your credit card merchant center immediately.
Heads Up to the Warning Signs of Credit Card Fraud
Watch out for customers who:
- Purchase a lot of merchandise without regard to size, style, color or price.
- Ask no question on major purchases.
- Try to distract or rush you during the sale.
- Make purchases, leave the store, and then return later to make additional purchases.
- Make large purchases right at opening or at the last minute when the store is preparing to close.
- Refuse free delivery on large items.
If you suspect Credit Card Fraud
- Hold onto the customer's credit card if you think you can do so safely.
- Follow your employer's procedures and notify you supervisor.
- Call your voice authorization center and request a "code 10 authorization" in a very normal tone as to not alert the customer. The operator will tell you what to do.
Caution: Never risk your own safety of the safety or others in the immediate area.
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