Fraud Alerts!

September 2011

Aged Tires: A Driving Hazard?

There is a 30 sec. commercial at first and then the video. The video is well worth watching; it will teach you how to read the expiration day for the tires. A brand new tire can be 12 years old.

THIS COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE or that of someone you love. Pass it on to all your friends and family.....this is nothing short of criminal.

Click on this link: 
http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=4826897

Scam Targets ATM Services

New scam targets ATM users
Skimming device found at Fifth Third Bank branch
Updated: Wednesday, 27 Jan 2010, 6:18 PM EST
Published : Wednesday, 27 Jan 2010, 5:52 PM EST

Keep a watchful eye the next time you swipe your debit card, or you could be the next victim of a new scamming device.
Penny Middleton planned to have an ordinary trip to the ATM at the Fifth Third Bank off of State Road 26 East in Lafayette this week. Instead, she received some distressing news.
"They told me that my bank account had been withdrawn. The cash had been totally withdrawn," said Middleton.
Middleton was a victim of the latest scamming device: an automatic teller machine (ATM) skimmer. Criminals place these devices over the ATM's card reader to steal your information and often use a camera to spy on your pin.
In Middleton's case, the thieves made a copy of her debit card and used it at three locations in Chicago, withdrawing more than $1500 in total.
Though the method is unique, the impact on victims is the same.
"You've been robbed. And you've been robbed at your bank. It's the same thing as if they held a gun at you and emptied your bank account right then and there," said Middleton
The problem isn't one that's limited to Fifth Third Bank, to Lafayette, or to Indiana.
West Lafayette Police Detective Troy Greene said the use of skimming devices is increasing across the country.
"It's the latest and greatest because they're able to do it from a distance. They don't have to be over your shoulder trying to get your PIN number," said Greene.
How can you protect yourself against theft? Greene had a few suggestions.

Inspect the card reader for anything unusual before scanning your card (attached devices, tape, or glue are a few warning signs)
Cover the keypad from view as you enter your PIN
Constantly monitor your bank statements for activity that is not your own
"If you've been going to the same ATM, the same bank, for awhile, you know what your machine looks like. So if there's anything out of the ordinary, if it looks like there's an extra speaker box up there that wasn't there before, definitely check on it, or just go inside and use the ATM inside," said Greene.
Greene and Middleton agreed that to avoid being a victim, awareness is key.
"We can still live in this cyber world that we live in, but not give the criminals an open door to just take everything they want when they want it. I refuse to do that," said Middleton.
Middleton hopes keeping her eyes open will keep criminals from closing anyone else's bank accounts.
A Fifth Third spokesperson said only a handful of people used the machine during the time the device was attached.
The bank is in the process of notifying everyone who may be affected.
The spokesperson said anyone who believes their information may have been compromised is encouraged to call 1-800-972-3030 or walk into any Fifth Third Branch.

 
DRS/sbt - wlfi.com

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