BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – IN the wake of increased incidences of credit and debit cards theft as well as their unauthorised purchases, SKNVibes met Corporal Carl Greaux of the Criminal Investigation Department at the Basseterre Magistrate’s Court shortly after the conclusion of a related case and sought his advice on some preventative measures that could be employed by these cards holders\users in St. Kitts and Nevis.
“In today’s society, an increased number of people are carrying and using credit and debit cards. In most places they are accepted and readily used in place of cash.
However, if lost or stolen, it can be more severe than losing a certain amount of cash, as substantial purchases can be put on one’s credit card before one can even detect it is missing,” Greaux said.
In his advice to credit and debit cards holders, Greaux said they must avoid the temptation to collect more cards that they actually need. “And if you have a card that you do not intend to use for some time, keep it in a safe hiding place until you are ready to do so. Do not take your wallet or purse filled with these cards when you go out to certain places; for example, the beach. This will only serve to increase the odds of having them stolen”.
He also advised that individuals should check their cards after each use and ensure they are returned after each use. “It can be easy for busy sales clerks, waiters or waitresses to mistakenly give up the wrong card after ringing up your order,” Greaux added.
He suggested that individuals should destroy the carbons.
“Thieves have obtained carbon papers of credit cards slips from dumpsters of some stores and restaurants. They then use the name and number of that card to make credit/debit purchases over the phone or to create counterfeit cards with active account numbers. Therefore, it is advised that card holders should get into the habit of destroying the carbon papers instead of letting the sales clerk dispose of it,” Greaux said.
The Corporal stressed that individuals must keep a list of all their credit and debit cards.
“Record the account numbers, customer service address and phone numbers of each credit/debit card you have. When you notice your cards are lost or stolen, call the creditor immediately and follow-up your notification in writing. Keep a copy of the list in a safe place.”
