OK
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.
Too skinny to be working at the Mugs 'N Jugs
I'm sure that is what some of these girls counted on. The husband gets scammed for a couple hundred bucks and then has to decide whether he makes a big deal out of it and risks trouble in his marriage or lets it go.
While each state has it’s plentiful share of white trash, I believe that Florida is the white trash epicenter.
I know the joint...right across the street from the Shades’N Blades discount emporium.
OK
what mugs?
“the info on the card strip is not encrypted??”
Nope, credit cards are not high-security. The system was designed before they could be scanned from a distance, so basically, it was assumed that only people you gave the card to could get your information. Times have changed.
Fortunately, you can protect yourself from this with one of those credit-card holders that is made of metal, or if you are cheap, just make a little pocket-folder out of tin foil and keep them in there.
You are confusing RFID with the magnetic strip. You cannot read a magnetic strip from a distance - for that you need RFID (Radio Frequency Identification Device).
A skimmer is a small, hand-held device that you slide the card through, just like the register - just smaller and intended for illegal activities.
http://www.cheapest-computer-hardware-software.com/credit-card-skimming-devices.html
We ate at our favorite fish joint and when they took the card to pay the bill, he disappeared into another room. A week later a charge appeared on the bill for over $1200 for box seats at a Giants game.
We got the money back and they went out of business.
Never, never lose sight of your credit card.
I’ve eaten there a few times..though she does NOT look familar..it’s an OK burger and brewskis place..
Ah, I assumed that they were scanning RFID-enabled credit cards, you are correct.
LifeLock!
And folks wonder why I use cash..... >PS
“Mugged by Jugs” ping.
Let us evaluate them Jugs. And never mind the mugs!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.