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DI debit/credit card breach thwarted

"The point of compromise has been identified and that business has taken clear steps to rectify the situation so that that compromise is no longer available to the cyber criminals," said John Kenney, Resident Agent In Charge.

While Agent Kenney did not release the name of the business, or when the breach was identified, he did report that investigators are still working the cases involved. The U.S. Secret Service began looking into reports of debit and credit card fraud cases on Daniel Island last month, after dozens of island residents and or employees began contacting The Daniel Island News and local authorities about unauthorized charges that were being posted to their accounts both nationally and internationally.

"We have an ongoing investigation and I can’t comment further," added Kenney. "I know there are many questions, but one thing I can share is that we are working the case and continue to work it. We advise people to be cautious with their debit and credit cards. This is not a problem that is unique to Daniel Island. It’s very normal. Cases where networks are compromised happen very routinely and that’s just part of the cyber world we live in."

Over the last week, additional new Daniel Island debit/credit card fraud cases have continued to pop up. Island resident Chip Law was contacted by his bank on Friday when a charge was attempted on his credit card account from a location in Pakistan. Ten days prior to that activity, another account held by Law was hit with an unauthorized charge in New York.

"I feel completely compromised," said Law. "I now feel uneasy with every electronic transaction I make. While I still need to use my credit cards to do what is necessary, I am now leery of all involved: merchants, card processors, banks, etc."

When asked how new cases can occur even after the suspected Daniel Island threat has been eliminated, Agent Kenney said the potential for stolen credit or debit card numbers to be used is still a possibility both now and in the future.

"Cyber criminals often, and it appears to be the case here, ‘dump’ numbers over a period of time (days or even weeks)," Kenney added. "The end users of the stolen numbers may hold them for a time as well or re-sell the numbers to other criminals.

Credit Card Fraud – Be One Less Statistic | Credit Card and Loans ...

When it comes to credit cards, an ideal world would be where you didn’t have to worry about your credit card information getting into the wrong hands. But in reality, credit card fraud is a real concern. By taking a few simple steps you can be one less statistic as a victim.

Thieves are getting smarter and you need to take the necessary steps to outsmart them.

1)Always know where your cards are at all times so that they don’t get into the wrong hands. Any statements showing your credit card information should be kept in a safe place and if you are throwing any away always make sure that you shred them. Thieves have been known to go into someone’s personal trash and getting their hands on statements. If your card number is clearly visible then your card number can be used in a fraudulent manner.

2)If you are purchasing something on the internet, you should always use some precaution about which websites you give your credit card number to. Always make sure that you are putting the card number into forms on a website that you trust. Avoid entering your number into websites that you get to through links in emails. If it’s a site that you have purchased from in the past, type in the website address bar in your internet browser. That way, you won’t be tricked into giving your number to fraudsters who are masking themselves as legitimate companies.

What is commonly seen now on online are what is called phishing schemes. A fraudster will send you an email with what looks like an official looking website for a bank. They will say in the email that they require your personal information to update their records and sometimes they have even said that fraud is on the rise and in order to protect your accounts that you need to send them your personal details so that they can ensure that your accounts stay safe online. Ironic isn’t it? But don’t fall victim to this scheme.

3)To ensure that you are on a secure website, the website address always begins with ‘https” rather than ‘http’. That ensures you that the website you are doing business with is using encryption software so that your credit card information is safe.

4)Check your credit report often. By doing so you can see if there are any unusual charges on your card, or evidence of credit card fraud. The first thing you should do if you notice irregular charges is to call your credit card company and report the stolen credit card. Remember, if you call in right away, you will not be held responsible for the charges on your card.

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