Scam steals debit card numbers

Mike Peters

Dec. 3, 2008 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- Just when you thought you were safe because your credit card has never been stolen, things have changed.

Greeley police warn that they've found many people in Greeley who are the victims of a new scam.

"The cards aren't being stolen," Sgt. Joe Tymkowych said. "Just the numbers are. People are walking around with their cards in their pockets, and at the same time, someone is using the numbers across the country."

In the new scam, Tymkowych said, the thieves are able to get the numbers on debit cards, then use the numbers in purchases around the U.S. He said the scam is confined to debit cards at this time.

Greeley police are working with agencies in Longmont and other northern Colorado cities where the same scam is being operated. In Longmont, police tracked the theft of numbers to the East Moon Bistro, according to the Longmont Times-Call. The Times-Call reported that Bistro owners have taken steps to secure card numbers. Greeley police haven't been able to track the thefts to any specific businesses in Greeley.

Investigators say the theft apparently occurs when a customer pays for an item and the card is taken away to be totaled.

"Such as in a restaurant," Tymkowych said, "when a waiter takes the card and then brings it back to the customer with the bill."

Police warn customers:

-- Don't let your debit card out of your sight.

-- If possible, use a credit card to pay for items because they have more protection and the theft is easier to discover than with debit cards.

-- If you believe you've been a victim of this scam, call Greeley police at

(970) 350-9600.

Newstex ID: KRTB-0081-30086867