WATCH ABOVE: Police are warning Haligonians to be more aware when using their debit or credit cards. They say a technique called skimming could result in residents becoming victims of fraud. Julia Wong has tips on how you can stay safe.
HALIFAX – Haligonians spend hundreds of thousands of dollars every day using bank cards, but police say that behaviour could also be putting them at risk.
Halifax Regional Police are investigating another case of a possible skimming device found in an ATM at Alderney Landing. They say the device was seized and is being reviewed.
Fraudsters use skimming devices to create copies of your cards and gain access to personal and sensitive financial information.
Police said it can happen anywhere – from gas stations to supermarkets to ATMs. They’re reminding residents to protect sensitive details, such as PIN numbers, and stay alert.
“Ensure there’s nothing going on with the machine. If you approach a bank machine and it looks like something is added onto where you’re putting your card in, don’t use it. Or if it looks like there’s some scratches or tampering around the area where you’re putting your bank card, don’t use it,” said Detective-Constable Carol Campbell-Waugh with the HRP/RCMP Integrated Financial Crime Section.
Campbell-Waugh said that users should take their cards out of any card reader immediately if the device shakes or if their card is too tight or too close in the reader.
“Sometimes it can be fairly obvious when you approach the machine. It looks like there’s an extra piece on the front of where you’re putting your card in. Sometimes not so obvious, so that makes it a little more difficult,” she said.
One local grocery store said they remind customers to protect their PIN numbers and often review their card readers to ensure no fraudulent activity is taking place.
“We check it monthly or weekly,” said Winnie Clayton, the head cashier at the Community Carrot Co-op. “If there’s any discrepancies, we’re notified by our company and they can get us to go through our receipts.”
Some tips from the Better Business Bureau include:
- Inspect the card reader – if the device can be removed, alert police
- Choose ATMs wisely – avoid ATMs in poorly lit areas and standalone ATMS in well-traveled and public places
- Check your credit report at least once a year – look for suspicious activity
If you think you have been a victim of fraud, call police. Below are some other resources:
Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
Toll-free: 1-888-495-8501
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