In an effort to mitigate a recent spike in credit card fraud, the Mankato Police and Fire departments have issued a warning specifically targeting local businesses, which are often the unintended victims in these schemes. In a recent social media post, authorities delineated a series of security measures that businesses can adopt to safeguard against financial losses due to fraudulent transactions.
Via their Facebook page, the Mankato Police and Fire departments have stressed the importance of in-person verification for credit card payments, advising the comparison of IDs with the cards being used. They caution, especially when it comes to large purchases, if the customer refuses to meet in person, this should be seen as a cause for concern. "Now that we’ve got your attention… we’re seeing an uptick in stolen credit cards being used at local businesses," the post begins, featuring a lighthearted image of a dog and a cat holding a credit card to draw attention.
Among the tactical advice offered, businesses are encouraged to employ video verification methods like Zoom or FaceTime to verify identities and credit cards from a distance. Additionally, extra scrutiny should be applied to transactions involving billing addresses that are considerably distant from the local area. A noted tactic by fraudsters involves the use of multiple cards for purchases, a red flag for businesses to heed.
"Call the Bank – If something doesn’t feel right, verify with the card issuer," the Mankato Police and Fire post also suggests, underlining the importance of due diligence. Moreover, for business owners themselves, the advice is crystal clear: "trust your gut. If something feels off, pause the transaction and verify." Their message ends with a plea to the business community to stay alert and share these preventative tips with staff to jointly protect against credit card fraud.
