Alice Springs residents are being urged to be vigilant after several recent reports of credit card fraud in the town.

Police have received a number of reports from victims who recently received notification from their banks that their credit card details had been used to attempt to purchase goods overseas.

Acting Superintendent Jody Nobbs said it appeared that on most occasions banks were quick to notice uncharacteristic card useage.

“In every case the victims received a phone call from their bank asking them if they were overseas and were trying to use their credit card,” A/Supt Nobbs said.

“When it became clear the card owner was still in Alice Springs the transaction was terminated and the card cancelled, however although in most instances the attempted fraud is detected in time, that isn’t always the case. Then even if the transaction is cancelled in time the victim still has to put up with the inconvenience of having their card cancelled.

“Most transactions or attempted transactions have taken place in the UK or the USA. We are yet to identify consistencies between the incidents, so it is extremely difficult to determine how the details are being stolen at this stage.

“The incidents involve different credit cards – some with micro chips and some without. And even a debit card.  They also involve a number of different banks and no obvious consistency in the way the cards are being used  which would help identify a connection or obvious vulnerability. Card holders are being reminded to be extremely vigilant when sharing their card details and where possible, use whatever secure payment measures are available.

“To assist in our inquiries we are appealing to anyone else who has been advised by their financial institution that their cards may have been fraudulently used to contact police. Anyone with information should phone 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.”

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Theresa Kuilboer
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