Sheriff's office: Fraud with stolen credit card numbers on the rise

Your credit or debit card may still be in your wallet. You may never leave town yet someone could be fraudulently charging your card outside of the county.

Authorities call it credit card cloning, and it's happening to Highlands County residents, a Highlands County Sheriff's Office press release stated.

Over the past several weeks a number of Highlands County residents have become victims, the press lease stated.

Cloning is the use of legitimate credit or debit card numbers to create fraudulent cards, which are then used to run up significant charges or debit the unsuspecting owner's account, the press release explained. Residents are urged to take the following precautions regarding the use of credit and debit cards, especially during the holiday season:•Be aware of your surroundings when using ATM machines, particularly when you are asked for your P.I.N. number. If someone is close by they may be able to pick up this number by watching you enter it in the machine. You may want to turn away or take some action to conceal your entry.

•Pay attention to the units used to scan your credit card. If there appears to be any device attached to the terminal, you may consider asking the clerk to manually enter your credit card number into the system.

•Try not to let your credit or debit card be taken out of your possession to be scanned. This often occurs in restaurants or other places where the point of sale is not the same as where the service is delivered. When possible, accompany the sales person to the register and keep your card in your possession.

•Some financial institutions offer notifications when debit cards are used. You may want to take advantage of this service so you will be immediately aware if your card is used without your authorization.

•Take the time to carefully review bank and credit card statements, especially if they are accessible online. Follow up on any questionable activity with the appropriate merchant or financial institution immediately.

Anyone with information about fraudulent credit or debit card activity, or information on possible suspects, is asked to contact the Highlands County Sheriff's Office at 863-402-7200, or their local law enforcement agency. Anyone with information who wants to remain anonymous is asked to call Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477) or www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com.

Anonymity is guaranteed and tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward.