A recent advisory issued by the Saskatoon Police Service has the Regina Police Service reminding the business community and the public that a regular “status check” is a good idea when it comes to protecting PIN-pads and personal financial information.
Regina has no reports so far this year of fraud through the use of fake PIN-pads or electronic card-readers known as “skimmers”. Saskatoon Police Service’s release states, “At least six businesses around the city (Saskatoon) were the targets of pin pad thefts and switches in early May, 2011. Fraud investigators believe at least four males are responsible for distracting employees in these businesses and switching pin pads in order to collect data fraudulently.” The full text of the SPS news release can be found at http://www.police.saskatoon.sk.ca/index.php?loc=headlines.php&news_id=2011330. From experience, police recognize that these types of crimes are often committed by suspects who travel from one urban centre to another, often just a few steps ahead of law enforcement.
Regina business owners are reminded to check their credit card readers and other transaction equipment regularly for any signs of tampering. Make sure employees are aware that suspects may use distraction to create the opportunity for another suspect to switch PIN-pads. Individual consumers should always check credit card statements and, if fraudulent activity is noted, contact their financial institutions and the police.
