Credit Card Fraud on Rise

In the wake of multiple incidents of reported credit card fraud, the Moorpark Police Department is reminding residents to be especially cautious when making credit card  purchases and other electronic transactions.

The department is investigating incidents in which cards have been compromised in Moorpark and throughout Ventura County. The department is withholding details while it investigates the claims.

"Cards are being compromised every day," said Amy Garcia, a civilian investigator with the department. "We're always trying to determine the point of origin and what they have in common."

Garcia has specialized in fraud crimes and identity theft since the mid-1990s. She holds informational community workshops to inform residents of the best ways to detect and avoid credit card fraud. 

 Fraud investigations often involve contacting a bank to find a common transaction if multiple cards have been compromised to narrow down the point of origin, Garcia said. The location is often a store or website.

Processors could be hacked  and information stolen, or there could be an employee at a business stealing credit card information from customers. Hackers also use skimming devices or compromise ATMs or gas station pumps, Garcia said.

Residents should be especially vigilant with the upcoming Christmas shopping season, when fraud typically increases, Garcia said.

With shoppers waiting in long lines and cashiers distracted and overworked, opportunities for fraud abound. Forgetful or overly trusting shoppers who leave their purses and wallets in their cars are an easy target, she said.

"It's just that time of year," she said.

Garcia recommended always maintaining sight of your credit card and the credit card terminal.

Many banks now have software that tracks a person's spending. If a charge seems out of the ordinary, banks will either freeze an account or contact the card holder about the unusual transaction.

However, if you suspect that your credit card has been compromised or that you are a victim of identity theft, don't wait for the bank to contact you first. Inform the police department because fraud claims with banks often require a police report to confirm that the customer isn't filing a false claim,  Garcia said.

Awareness of one's surroundings is another way to prevent fraud crimes, Garcia said.

 "Report any suspicious persons lurking around gas stations at night or if you see any suspicious vehicles," she said. "Or if you see someone with a wad of credit cards or someone throwing a wad of credit cards in a trash can."

For more information on how to set up a credit card fraud and identity theft workshop, call 532-2700.