FRAUD ALERT: Consumers are advised to stay alert due to the rise of debit card scams during this holiday season
AGN.News Team
October 20, 2022
WASHINGTON (AGN.News) – This report is part of our annual holiday season Fraud Alert Series.
This year appears to be like so many other years when fraudsters attempt to use their hidden talent to “get something for nothing” by scamming the unsuspected and innocent out of their hard-earned money.
Consumers are being advised to stay alert when shopping and/or traveling due to the rise of debit card scams being used during this holiday season.
What is a debit card scam?
Recent reports out of Canada and across the United States have shown a rise in debit card scams. How does it work?
First, the scammer has to play the role of the victim in a legitimate business transaction. In order to gain the confidence of an individual who owns the card, the scammer has to highlight the need for “help”.
Once he or she feels you’re willing to “help” them in their hour of need, they may ask you, the real victim, to “make a deal”.
For example, the scammer might say something like this: “I tried to pay my taxi fare with cash, but they only take debit cards, can you help me? Their next move is to turn your attention to a waiting taxi. The taxi driver says, “We only take debit cards.”
Lets say the fare is fifteen dollars. The scammer hands you $15 in cash. Then he or she may ask you to hand your debit card to the driver (who is part of the scam). Now here is the scam in motion. The scammer distracts you with some words of gratitude, like “thank you very much for your help” while the partner “appears to complete the transaction”.
While you’re distracted for those few seconds, the driver scans the card (which now has your information) then gives you back what appears to be your card but in reality is a “look-alike card”. Then the driver slowly drives off with the scammer in tow and your card data.
Within minutes the two scammers are buying all sorts of merchandise with your card. Once you’re alerted to the fraud, they’re long gone.
During this holiday season, please be advised – stay alert and be watchful. Law enforcement almost always advises consumers to “trust after you verify” who you’re doing business with, always.
Here are some previous FRAUD ALERTS
This year can be a very joyous time for family and friends. We say “can be” because there are scammers who want to spoil your holiday by scamming you out of your money by any means possible. STAY ALERT!
What should you do if you are a victim of consumer fraud or scams?
In order to collectively fight consumer fraud and scams of every sort, everyone should report all fraudsters and their online or offline schemes to local law enforcement. We should always, STAY ALERT!
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Written by
AGN.News Team
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