Consumer Fraud: ATM and Credit Card Fraud

ATM and credit card fraud involves the unlawful use of ATM and credit card numbers by an unauthorized person. The thief may access your card information by:

+ Finding carbon copies of receipts (or clerks keeping the carbon copy)
+ Store or restaurant clerks may record your credit card info by using a special swiping device (this is called "skimming")
+ Going through trash and finding discarded receipts (also called "dumpster diving")
+ Stealing your PIN as you type it in at an ATM (sometimes called "shoulder surfing")

If you lose your ATM or credit card, call the bank that issued it immediately. You have no further responsibility by law once you’ve reported it lost or stolen. Under federal law, you are only obligated to pay a maximum of $50 if you have reported it lost or stolen. Make sure you follow up with a letter sent certified mail and save the receipt. Keep copies of all correspondence.

How can you protect yourself?

1. Push up close to the ATM to block the keypad.
2. Never tell anyone your PIN number
3. Never write your PIN on your card or leave the PIN in your wallet.
4. Don’t put your PIN number in until it says to.
5. Make sure you receive your card back when finished with transaction.
6. Never let anyone else use your cards.
7. Keep any carbon copies the clerk creates, or tear them up before they are thrown away.
8. Check your monthly statements--look for transactions you didn't make.
9. Write “please see ID” along with your signature on the back of your card.