Check debit and credit statements carefully

Covid has meant more of us are conducting business online, but with this, the police are seeing an increase in fraudulent activity being reported, so the RCIPS Financial Crime Investigation Unit is advising the public to play close attention to their credit and debit card statements. Anyone who notices suspicious or unauthorised transactions is advised to inform their bank immediately and contact the RCIPS Financial Crime Investigation Unit at RCIPS.FCU@rcips.ky.

Identifying and reporting suspicious or unauthorised transactions in a timely manner allows you to prevent further transactions from occurring, the funds from which may be difficult to recover.

In some cases, people have only become aware of a series of unauthorised transactions months after they first began. In cases like this, even if the individual transactions are for relatively small amounts, the cost can quickly add up.

The FCIU is also reminding the public to exercise caution when conducting credit card transactions. When paying for purchases, avoid allowing persons to walk out of sight with your credit card, especially for extended periods. People should also be extremely cautious about giving credit card information over the phone.

If you have any reason to be suspicious, monitor your credit and debit card transactions carefully, and immediately report any unauthorised purchases to your bank and to the RCIPS FCIU at the email address above.