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economist sunsuntribune crime saturday july 12 2003 ripoff devices record pin numbers from page 1 the debit card was compromised const caroline bollard confirmed exactly how it was done is what were investigating now with increased use of debit cards fraud scams are becoming more preva lent and more varied cards jammed thieves can use devices to jam your card in an atm machine a helpful stranger suggests you key in your pin number to help unjam the card but it remains stuck after you leave they remove your card and having watched you key in your pin number are ready to rip you off double swiping cards is an increas ingly popular way of ripping off con sumers you hand your card over to be swiped but the clerk actually swipes it twice once for your financial institu tion and once on a machine that then allows them to make a duplicate card a tiny camera records your pin informa tion so the duplicate card can be used until you notice the cash missing employees of retail outlets have used bogus machines they lift your card and pin information but the transaction never reaches your bank the employee then uses the infor mation to make a duplicate card to empty your account the latest in ripoff devices fits inside the card slot like a glove virtually undetectable to the user thieves insert the device and set up a camera to record pin numbers within a day or two they can generate numerous cards they then use at other atms or for direct debit purchases they then use the information to make as many duplicate cards as possi ble without the owners knowing they have been a victim until they realize their account is empty within a day or two they can gener ate numerous cards they then use at other atms or for direct debit purchas- es explained const bollard adding in watch for shoulder surfers debit card users warned here are a few tips to prevent becoming a victim of debit card fraud be alert watch for shoulder surfers trying to get a glimpse of your pin number use your hand or body to shield the pin pad dont get distracted while at a bank machine dont let your debit card out of your sight swipe it yourself or watch closely to make sure ifs not swiped twice regularly check bank statements or passbook updates for discrepancies minimize the number of accounts or credit lines one card can access never disclose your pin to anyone and avoid using obvious information such as your birthday to pick pin numbers you could be liable if youve used your name address telephone num ber or social insurance numbernotify your bank and the police immediately if you notice strange transactions or account activity for more information visit industry canadas business and consumer website at strategisgcca and search for debit card fraud a recent case in ottawa thieves stole more than 32000 in one day using a similar device the stouffville victim saw noth ing heard nothing noticed nothing unusual her bank gave her a printout of locations so she was able to say defi nitely certain transactions were not hers she added bank refund while the womans bank refunded her loss she pointed out losses from theft inevitably trickle down to the con sumer the thieves depend on the fact youre busy and may not be paying attention she said in a day or two they can get away with a lot of money before you notice who knows how many people are victims in this case i wanted to make sure the public knew about this i wanted to warn people cs feose to mtzotfuce manicure pedicure reg 50 now 42 20 off leg wax 1st visit onlv 6186 main st stouffville 905 6402299 a secure environment for the memory impaired 9059474566 dcrmes in odaefcw it tour- sunrise assistedliving ofunionville 38 s unionville i lighway east of kennedy hail of a sal aw thousancls of dollars 1 due to some hail damage by a us storm these brand new 2003 altimas are selling at unbelievable prices only 4 to choose from 1st come 1st served msrp from 9 your price from m mssm 4 cyl with convenience package hurry in while supplies last village n i s san 4600 hwy 7 markham 905 4773337 wwwvlllagenlssancom shift frt poi plus all applicable taxes extra see us or details in stock units only while supplies last fcash price warranty exdustions apply i i i i