Christmas ruined by card fraudsters

Credit card cloning victim Debbie Grimshaw with her children Jack, six, Louise, three, and 22-month-old Kai.

26 December 2005 12:16

A family of five had their Christmas ruined after they became the latest victims of identity card theft.

Debbie and Steven Grimshaw were unable to give each other Christmas presents after their account was cleaned out by crooks cloning credit cards.

The couple, who have three children under six, were devastated their festive funds had been taken and confused as to how the details were copied.

Mrs Grimshaw, 39, and Mr Grimshaw, 33, a shop refitter, from Sprowston, discovered the money had been taken when they went online to order a new cheque book and were informed there were not enough funds. Almost £800 from the family's account was spent in Tesco stores in Borehamwood, London and Southport, Merseyside, though no one from the family has ever been there.

“We were shocked and stunned that this money had gone,” Mrs Grimshaw said. “We thought we had enough money for over the Christmas period and we know we have never been to those stores.

“Luckily we had bought most of the children's Christmas presents but we had put the rest aside for gifts for other members of the family and for food over Christmas.

“We were not able to buy our parents anything. Usually Steven and I spend about £50 on each other for presents. We spent Christmas Day at my mother-in-law's place because we didn't have food in.

“It seems our details have been cloned but I have no idea when or how. The bank is looking into it. We are devastated. I hope whoever did this has a good Christmas because they ruined ours.”

Card cloning is the biggest type of credit card fraud and an illegal transaction occurs every eight seconds. Details are cloned from a card while a payment is being made and a duplicate card is created.

Victims are not usually aware of the theft until their next credit card statement arrives.

The couple, who live on Cromwell Road with Jack, six, Louise, three, and Kai, who is nearly two, said the illegal transactions were made between December 6 and December 12 this year.

“Apparently these things happen regularly and often the crooks get the details after card details are swiped on things like self service machines,” Mrs Grimshaw said.

“But I have never used these machines and have no idea how this could have happened.

“I have heard about credit card cloning before and always thought it would not happen to us but it has.

“I want to warn other people about card cloning and to be careful in cases where you do not need a signature of pin number.

“Someone has got our details and it is a horrible feeling. We are very upset.

“We now have to wait and see what the bank investigation reveals but until then we are out of pocket.”

Illegal card cloning swiped a massive £250,000 from unsuspecting cash machine users in Norfolk last year according to police figures.

More than 300 of these offences were reported to the force but senior officers admit other incidents are going unreported.

Norfolk Constabulary is issuing a general warning to both shop staff and shoppers to be alert to credit card fraudsters operating in the area.

A spokeswoman said: “Shop staff should not be afraid to make the necessary security checks if their suspicions are raised by anyone using credit or debit cards at the till.

“Anyone using an automatic cash point machine should raise the alarm with their bank if they notice any devices attached to the ATM and be aware of anyone standing close by when they make a transaction.

PC John Butters, community safety officer said: “General awareness has got to be the biggest tool the public can use against this sort of crime. People should check the point where their card is inserted into the ATM and try to see if there is any object or device covering it.

“People should make sure they check their bills when they get them and keep receipts so they can verify the entries relate to purchases made and they should also make sure they shred the receipts and other documents in relation to their credit cards rather than throw them in the dustbin.

“If a card gets swallowed by a machine they should contact their card company preferably before leaving the machine or as soon as possible to cancel the card. Be aware if anyone tries to look over your shoulder or engage you in conversation at an ATM. Cover the keypad when you enter your PIN number.”

The Grimshaws have reported what happened to them to the HSBC Fraud Squad. Nobody from the bank was available to comment.

Have you fallen victim to identity theft? Telephone Evening News reporter Naomi Canton on (01603) 772418 or e-mail naomi.canton@archant.co.uk

Email A Friend

News: Latest headlines on Evening News 24