Holiday Shoppers Susceptible to Credit Card Theft

Posted 5:00 a.m. Dec 4, 1997 — Updated 5:00 a.m. Dec 4, 1997

RALEIGH — 'Tis the season to spend. With the holidaysjust around the corner, most people will be spending big. Often, ofcourse, that means pulling out the plastic, and with all the hustle andbustle at the stores this time of year, you could be spending more thanyou'd counted.

It's easy for shoppers to be distracted by the holiday hurry and leavetheir credit cards behind with information criminals could use to shopfor free.

Three years ago, Barbie Parrish says learned an expensive lesson whileshopping for her Christmas gifts.

Not only did they steal thousands of dollars in gifts but also hercredit card. At this time of year, credit card theft becomes a bigger thanusual crime. Sgt. Michael Hunter is with the Raleigh PoliceDepartment. He says shoppers get caught up in the hectic paceof the season and make simple, but costly mistakes with their cards.

Hunter says people should be aware of the card as well asthe charge card number and receipt.

Planning and staying alert can keep your credit card from ending up inthe wrong hands. Parrish says she is much more cautious these days.

Officers also say to keep your pin number secure, to prevent criminalsfrom making purchases over the phone. They advise that you not leavecredit cards in an unattended vehicle.

Photographer:Greg Clark

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