Skimming Scam in New Zealand. Information Security Awareness Training May Reduce Cases of Crime
Friday, January 7th, 2011
Skimming Scam in New Zealand. Information Security Awareness Training May Reduce Cases of Crime
Article by Peter Martin
Recently, counter crime agencies in New Zealand detected Skimming fraud in several cities of Northland province of the country. Usually, offenders insert skimming device at ATMs and swipe machines at Point of Sale (POS). In this case, the offender impersonated as a courier driver and delivered package to several individuals. However, instead of collecting cash, the courier driver requested card payment from the parcel recipients. When unwary customers shared their card with the offender for payment, the latter swiped the card on a fake swipe machine. The machine was actually a skimming device. Skimming device is used by offenders to capture confidential information contained in the magnetic strip of the plastic card. The stolen information can be used to make unauthorized transactions on victim’s card. In this case, some of the merchant’s reported unauthorized withdrawal of money from their accounts. Crime has become an organized activity. Investigative personnel also find it difficult to detect sophisticated fraud techniques. Counter crime agencies can acquaint their staff on the various fraudulent techniques adopted by criminals through online video training programs.
Legitimate bank customers are also targeted through phishing e-mails, which redirect user to a fake website, which looks striking similarly to the login page of a legitimate banking site. When unwary customers enter the account details, their information is compromised. Information security awareness training workshops by card issuers, banking and financial institutions could create awareness among customers on the various types of risk involved and security guidelines to be adhered by them.Thousands of people across the world are affected by crimes such as phishing, identity theft, unauthorized access to online accounts, skimming and fraudulent accounts. Lack of awareness on complaint procedures or tendency to avoid legal hassles prevents legitimate bank customers from filing complaints. Wary police officials also avoid registering of fraud cases related to cybercrime and credit card fraud. Police officials can be acquainted on computer and other forms of banking fraud by including computer security introduction and bank fraud case studies during training sessions and workshops.
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Peter martin
