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Community Corner

Possible credit card skimming in our area

In reviewing our accounts this morning, my wife noticed dubious charges.  In the process of contacting our bank to notify them, we asked if the charges were done online or at point of purchase.  As point of purchase sales, the thief needs to have a blank credit card imprinted with the information contained on the magnetic strip of a valid card.  That a fake card was used leads me to conclude that some form of skimming device was used.  

Having reached an age where we either have all our wants or we never will, our shopping range is limited to the immediate area.  I post this notice so that you, the reader, may beware and refrain from exposing yourself to such a device.  Among other means to secure yourself is to avoid the self-checkout systems which are obviously more vulnerable to such devices than those checkout points with a store employee in attendance.

I have done what I can reasonably do in contacting both our local police and the department where the actual fraud occurred.  I have also made contact with the different stores where the fake card was used to inform them of the event as well as to be able to convey to the police all the information I obtained with regard to video surveillance and store contact information.  I considered the act of simply notifying my bank and letting it run its course from there and decided doing so is one of those things I may come to regret when I'm old and contemplating life in hindsight.  My efforts to assist the police by doing some of the leg work for them as well as this post may deny me the regret of not doing something when I could to ensure it doesn't happen to another.

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