Credit Card Fraud On The Decline

Credit Card Fraud On The Decline

Illawarra Mercury

Saturday January 10, 2004

By MEGAN LEVY

WOLLONGONG police are winning the battle against credit card fraud, reporting a rapid drop in the number of victims in the past three months.

Police figures show the number of reported victims in Wollongong dropped by 58 per cent in the three-month period to December 31.

While people should not become complacent about protecting their credit card and cheque book details, Detective Sergeant Steve Bridge said the culprits were finding Wollongong a more difficult place to operate.

Last year, police conducted a public awareness campaign after intelligence reports showed it was a growing problem across the region. He said the dramatic decrease was due to Wollongong residents becoming more aware of the crime, and protecting their personal items.

``I think the community's awareness has been the main factor in the decrease over the three months," he said.

``We have tried to make the public aware of the incidence of credit card fraud, and I think people have taken notice of those warnings."

In 2001, 161 people were charged with cheque or credit card fraud in NSW according to the Australian Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research.

Cheque and credit card fraud is often linked with theft from cars, letterboxes and bags. The thieves steal the cards, cheques or even bank statements, and use the details either in a shop, over the telephone or online.

Last year, Wollongong detectives raided several homes in the Wollongong area in relation to the crime after almost three months of investigations.

Detective Sergeant Bridge said the main affected area in the Wollongong Local Area Command was the Wollongong CBD, however incidents had been reported in several Wollongong suburbs.

He reminded people to destroy their credit card receipts and not to leave them in cars or rubbish bins.