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Coppell chamber members
warned about computer fraud
By Dan Eakin, deakin@starlocalnews.com
Members of the Coppell Chamber of Commerce Friday were told that large numbers of people, including children, are now being victims of computer fraud, and how they can take steps to avoid becoming victims.
He said people need to be very cautious when using computers, ATMs or even credit cards at gas pumps or restaurants.
He said people should never give their credit card information to strangers who call on the telephone, even if they sound like they are official. He said one major scheme is for someone to call a number and tell the person answering the phone that they have received a ticket for running a red light and that a red light camera has photographed their license plate. The caller then tells the person answering the phone that they can save money by paying the ticket over the telephone by giving their credit card information.
“There really is no ticket,” Barton said. “The caller is simply trying to get your credit card information.”
He also said people should be careful about using ATMs.
“Use only ATMs that are in the sight of a store clerk, banker or someone responsible who can see what is going on,” he said.
He said some criminals use infrared lighting to get fingerprints, which stay on for up to 30 seconds after an ATM has been used. He said the fingerprints show the criminal which numbers the person has just punched in.
Also, he said tiny cameras are sometimes placed inside an ATM slot to photograph the bank account number or credit card number being used.
“If your card moves unexpectedly while putting it in, then don't use that ATM,” he warned.
He said some restaurant employees have been found using a portable scanner to obtain credit card information which can later be used by that employee for purchases or cash.
“Try to eat at restaurants and shop at stores that you are familiar with and know you can trust,” he said.
Dumpster diving is also getting popular among thieves, he said. Thieves go through dumpsters in search of receipts, credit card statements and bills in search of credit card information.
“Always shred or otherwise destroy all receipts, statements and financial records before throwing them away,” Barton recommended.
In addition to hearing Barton, those attending the monthly chamber luncheon at the Coppell Senior Center also heard city update by Coppell Mayor Karen Hunt, and a chamber update by Casey Klein, Coppell chamber chairman.
The mayor told the chamber that the city is fortunate to have a very responsible city council and city staff who made it possible for a reduction in the city's tax rate for the 2012-2013 fiscal year.
“They are all good stewards of the funds that come into our city,” she said.
Klein announced that part two of the program titled, “What makes the very best companies successful” is scheduled for Oct. 9, that the Teen Leadership Coppell's Career Options * Social Services Day is set for Oct. 10, and that the 2012 Taste of Coppell, presented by Frost Bank, will take place Nov. 3.
Cassidy Pickrell, a senior at Coppell High School, was presented as the chamber's September Student of the Month.
Becky Ratliff, who presented her to the chamber, said she is an outstanding student and captain of the Coppell High School volleyball team.
Julie Green, Coppell High School's head volleyball coach, said Cassidy is an outstanding athlete who will attend a university on a volleyball scholarship.
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