Police Officer Victim of Debit Card Skimming

Saanich - The very person who alerts the public about crime and scams in Saanich is a victim herself. Last weekend, Saanich Police Sgt. Julie Fast attempted to buy a muffin for $2, when her debit card was declined. Upon investigating, she found out that her account had been frozen by her bank. Sgt. Fast is one of nearly 1,000 Coast Capital Savings customers that had their accounts frozen because of fraudulent activity. Coast Capital Savings says some time before last weekend nearly 1,000 of their customers had their debit cards skimmed by a fraudster. It's believed the fraudster may have been from the Victoria area, but the Credit Union isn't releasing any details about exactly where or how the skimming happened. Saanich police are investigating similar recent complaints, although they are unsure if the incidents are linked to the recent rash of debit card skimming. what investigators do know is that the people who complained had visited the same Saanich business, from which police removed a tampered pin-pad. "If that pin pad is connected to fraudulent withdrawls from people's accounts, I can't make that leap," says Sgt. Fast.
News of the fraudulent activity has merchants on edge and reviewing their own security measures. Saanich police are reminding consumers to be vigilent, and keep an eye out for alterations to basic ATM or debit card machines. Look for Pin Watch stickers, which indicate police have inspected the pin pad, and check your bank statements regularly. Sgt. Fast will, "It's an opportunity to heed my own advice."

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