ATM Card Skimming
ATM Card Skimming is a method used by criminals to capture data from the magnetic stripe on the back of an ATM card.
♦ The devices used are smaller than a deck of cards and are often fastened in close proximity to or over the top of an ATM’s factory-installed card reader.
♦ Pin Capturing refers to a method of strategically attaching cameras and various other imaging devices to ATMs; in order to fraudulently capture the ATM user’s PIN. Get to know the appearance of your ATM.
♦ Inspect the front of the ATM for unusual or non standard appearance. Scratches, marks, adhesive or tape residues could be indicators of tampering. The inspection should be part of your morning external check and afternoon closing procedure. Where possible, inspections should also be conducted during trading hours.
♦ Familiarize yourself with the look and feel of your ATM fascia. Particularly pay attention to all of the touch and action points. (e.g. keypad, customer card entry slot, lighting diffusers).
For more information: ATM Card Skimming
Scams Against the Elderly
Thieves and con artists are relentless in trying to separate you from your hard-earned money. One of the latest scams involves the thief calling an elderly person, and convincing the victim that he is their grandson, who will need money to get out of jail after an accident in Canada. The victim is instructed to wire money so the “grandchild” can get bailed out of jail. The victim is usually instructed to wire the money at a Wal-Mart or K-Mart. Of course, the victim finds out later that the grandson is home, and has not been to Canada.
Please keep in mind the following:
- Do not ever send money to some unknown entity in the form of a cashier’s check, money order, Western Union wire, etc. It is basically untraceable.
- If you feel somebody has contacted you about a scam, please be sure to contact the police and file a report immediately.
Watch Over Vacant Property
Due to the poor economic climate, there are a number of vacant houses in Mentor. These properties are ripe for thieves who break in to remove anything of value they can find, such as copper pipe. We would like to encourage neighbors to pay particular attention to any vacant houses in their neighborhood, and to immediately report to the police any unknown vehicles or suspicious people hanging about in the area. Thanks to one vigilant neighbor, the Mentor Police were recently able to apprehend thieves at a vacant house.
Fireworks
It is illegal to purchase, sell or discharge fireworks in the City of Mentor. To report violations, call (440) 974-5760. Safety Tips flyer.
What to do if you are the victim of IDENTITY THEFT:
1. Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) (1-877-IDTHEFT) for assistance from trained counselors in resolving credit related problems. This organization acts as the clearinghouse for information related to identity theft crimes.
2. Contact the fraud departments of the three major credit reporting agencies: EQUIFAX (1-800-525-6285) www.equifax.com, EXPERIAN (1-888-397-3742), TRANSUNION (1-800-680-7289). Ask them to put a fraud alert on your account and add a victim’s statement requesting creditors to contact the victim before opening new accounts in his or her name. Also request copies of your credit report.
3. IF A DRIVER’S LICENSE IS INVOLVED, contact the BMV. If the driver’s license uses the social security number, REQUEST A NEW DRIVER’S LICENSE NUMBER. In such cases, also check with the Social Security Administration (1-800-269-0271) to determine the accuracy and integrity of your account.
4. If bank accounts are involved, report the loss to each financial institution, cancel existing accounts and open new ones with new account numbers. If deemed necessary, place stop payments on outstanding checks and contact creditors to explain.
5. Cancel each credit and charge card and request new cards with new account numbers.
6. Contact the utility or service provider if unauthorized new accounts have been opened. If the companies do not cooperate, contact the state’s public utility commission and/or the Federal Communications Commission (for telephone companies).
7. Change the locks on your house and cars if there is any indication that these have been copied or otherwise compromised.
