Police are investigating multiple instances of credit card fraud, where persons have made purchases using credit card details which have been obtained fraudulently, without knowledge or consent of the cardholders.
At times these purchases have been made over the phone or online, however police have recently seen a number of instances where the culprits have made purchases in person without providing a physical card or identification.
On Tuesday, 19 March 2024, officers arrested three men, ages 32, 32, and 33, who are visitors to the island, on suspicion of obtaining property by deception, after the men had earlier purchased several items with card information from multiple cards, which appears to have been fraudulently obtained. Police also conducted a search of the premises where the men were located, and seized several items, including phones, computer items, perfumes and expensive jewellery, which are suspected to have been obtained by the same method.
The men remain in custody as investigations continue.
Businesses which have conducted transactions with manually entered card details since 16 March, particularly involving a group of three American men, two of whom are of dark complexion, one of light complexion, are asked to review these transactions and contact the RCIPS Financial Crime Investigation Unit at RCIPS.FCU@rcips.ky<mailto:RCIPS.FCU@rcips.ky> if they have any suspicions.
The RCIPS is taking the opportunity to advise the public and businesses of the steps that can be taken to help avoid becoming victims of this type of fraud.
Members of the public should remember to never share card details or your PIN with others, always keep your cards in sight when making payments, and otherwise out of sight of other persons.
It's also important to monitor your account for payments you don't recognise. If possible, take advantage of transaction alerts provided through email or a bank approved app. This way, if you see a card payment you do not recognise, you can report it immediately to your bank.
Finally, persons should avoid, as best as possible, making payments with your card via phone. Instead, remote payments should be done through secure recognisable platforms.
Businesses should avoid conducting card transactions when persons are unable to produce the physical card with matching identification.
Additionally, businesses may want to consider not conducting card transactions over the phone, since a physical card cannot be provided in these cases.
If you suspect you have been a victim of credit card fraud, contact the RCIPS at 949-4222, or by dialing 9-1-1.
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