POLICE have warned Border residents to take care making purchases online to avoid falling victim to identity fraud.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
A Lavington single mother lost almost $1000 from her Visa credit card account in online transactions she had not made recently.
The fraudulent transactions, which varied from about $30 to about $250, totalled $970.13.
The woman, 28, discovered the theft late last month when she unsuccessfully tried to make a purchase on internet auction site eBay.
Sen-Sgt Les Nugent, of Albury police, said it was important for those using online banking and making purchases on the internet to keep a close eye on their bank statements.
“They should only use the most secure websites and peruse their statements regularly as well,” he said.
Sen-Sgt Nugent said if any fraudulent transactions were detected, it was essential victims informed police and their banks.
“Report any crime to police; otherwise, there might be a pattern (of offending) that we’re not picking up,” he said.
Sen-Constable Matt Barnes, of Albury police, said it was also important to keep personal paperwork safe, warning that private details thrown in the bin could be stolen.
“Criminals use these documents to obtain goods and services under the pretence that they are you,” he said.
Sen-Constable Barnes, the city’s crime prevention officer, advised people not to throw away bills, official letters or credit card and bank statements.
He said the NSW Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages recommended shredding all unwanted documents, securing mail in a locked letter box and emptying wallets of unnecessary cards and identification.
