Posted on 08/11/2011 11:03:27 AM PDT by Responsibility2nd
Three people have been arrested as part of an investigation into allegations of credit card skimming at a local restaurant in New Port Richey, Fla.
According to a press statement, the Pasco County sheriff's office has charged a waitress at a Mugs 'N Jugs with criminal use of personal identification information, and charged several of the waitress' known associates with scheming to defraud, possession of a card scanning device and fraudulent use of credit cards.
The waitress allegedly used a hand-sized electronic skimming device to scan customers' credit cards without their knowledge or consent. She then, according to the allegations, gave the information to an associate, who allegedly obtained additional personal financial information and account numbers and manufactured fake credit cards. Other associates then allegedly used the fake cards to make purchases at local retailers. The goods were later sold for cash, according to local news reports.
The alleged scam appears to have been relatively prosaic and petty, at least in the colloquial sense, as so far only nine people have reported losses totaling just $5,753. That's not to suggest that hundred- or thousand-dollar losses are insignificant to the victims, but rather that major financial crimes can involve millions of dollars or more.
Still, the small scam is noteworthy for one peculiar aspect: According to news reports, the waitress allegedly targeted customers who made her too work hard at the restaurant or who, in her opinion, didn't tip generously enough. That's a cautionary tale for restaurant diners and a good reminder to practice safe credit card habits:
•Try to use credit and debit cards only at reputable merchants. •If in doubt, pay cash. •Watch out for red flags, such as a credit card that's taken out of your sight for a too-long period of time. •Monitor your credit card statement for fraudulent transactions. •Report any unauthorized use of a credit card to the card issuer as soon as possible.
Sorry all. I do know the rules, but I don’t have any pics to post of mugs and/or jugs.
Perhaps some kind FReeper can assist?
Pitchers, this thread is useless without pitchers...
TTIWWP
I’m just here for the jugshot, I mean, mugshot
I see no pitchers in that picture...
Innocent as the day is long.
LOL. Based on that picture, I’d have to say that these are just poor girls trying to make a living and one made a little mistake. So what if she committed credit card fraud — the victim was a bad tipper and probably deserved it. Let the poor girl go free!!
WTF!!! 9 people, had an AVERAGE of $636 stolen from each of their checking accounts - and this is "relatively prosaic and petty"!! What idiot thinks having $636 taken from their checking account as 'petty'? That is a very SIGNIFICANT amount in my book!!
I doubt I’d be caught dead or alive at a place with that name
Isn’t that right down the street from the Jugs ‘N Tugs Massage Parlor? ;)
the info on the card strip is not encrypted??
yes. across from the Thugs n’ Bugs, Union Investigative Unit.
“You want to talk stupid, my old man was stupid.
He was a bank guard - got fired for stealing pens!”
Rodney Daingerfield
That is a very SIGNIFICANT amount in my book!!
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And to make matters worse - just TRY and explain to the wife how some hottie at the Mugs ‘N Jugs scammed you out of $636.00.
Hoo Boy!
You may not how like how I tip, but stealing from me is not going to make me want to tip better.
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