Some advice from PSNI to prevent retail credit card fraud

In a statement to the Ballymoney and Moyle Times, a police spokesperson explained: “We are urging traders throughout Northern Ireland to be aware of a credit card scam that has cost some of their counterparts significant sums of money.

“It has involved ‘customers’ phoning businesses and ordering goods and paying by one or more credit card. The purchaser then arranges for local courier companies to pick up the goods quickly, before fraudulent activity on the card is noticed.

“We know that traders across a broad area of mid-Ulster and the North West have been targeted.

“In many cases, the scam originates in the north of England and goods are sent there. There is no suggestion that the courier companies are aware of the scam.

“Some advice we are giving to traders: Always insist on the card’s three digit security code; Request the name of the cardholder’s bank; Ensure the purchaser’s billing address and delivery address are consistent; Never forward goods to a Post Office Box; Be suspicious where multiple cards are being used for a single purchase; Exercise particular caution about overseas orders; Large orders can be held until payment has been authorised by the credit card company; As an alternative to the credit card, ask the ‘purchaser’ to pay by direct bank transfer.

“Traders who believe they have been victims of fraudulent transactions should contact their nearest CID office.”

More advice on crime prevention for businesses www.psni.police.uk/index/crime-prevention/business-safety.htm