Visitors GuideThe Royal Newfoundland Constabulary is issuing a caution to area business, investigators with the Economic Crime Unit have recently received a number of complaints regarding credit card fraud.
It appears that there is a fairly wide spread problem, where individuals after coming into receipt of credit card numbers have been placing fraudulent orders with local business establishments. Goods purchased range from fast food delivery orders, to high ticket items such as furniture, and building supplies.
Investigators have learned that the contract under which many credit card companies accept charges is dependant on the retailer having been presented with the credit card. That in instances where a telephone order is taken, which is later determined to be fraudulent, there is no obligation on the credit card company to reimburse the retailer. Unfortunately a number of local business= have been defrauded in this manner.
The RNC is recommending retailers review their practice of accepting credit card orders without being presented with the card. Those who choose to continue to do so are advised that they are providing thieves with an opportunity to steal from them.
Further to this the police is once again reminding credit card holders to check credit card statements immediately after receiving them to determine if all charges are legitimate. Credit card fraud is not dependant on the thief having the card itself, in many instances it is the number which is compromised. To reduce the opportunity available for thieves to access credit card numbers it is recommended that all financial documents be shredded before being discarded.
