This is how you can protect yourself from fraud
Fraud from the California Employment Development Department flourished during the pandemic of 2020 and early 2021. Criminals were known to not only mistakenly apply for and receive EDD benefits, but also to steal information and money from unemployed California residents who desperately needed the money. One of the most common ways criminals were able to take this information from other EDD debit cards was through a technology that has been around for quite some time: card skimmers. Short skimmers are commonly used in places such as gas stations, which see more customers over short periods. . | MORE | See how card skimmers work in the video above. Detectives from the Riverside Police Department explained to KCRA 3 that skimmers are basically card readers that capture magnetic stripe data from the card. “It̵[ads1]7;s so fast. So 10 seconds later another car stops, not even noticing anything,” said detective Katie Mendonza. She added that these thieves specifically targeted EDD cards because there was less security for them than regular debit cards. They are also able to withdraw significantly more money at a time. “With a regular bank card, if you were to go to your bank, as I am with a credit union, I could withdraw around $ 300-400 at a time. These EDD cards you can withdraw $ 1,000 at a time, “she said. Tips on how to protect yourself Banks across the country provide similar advice on how to best prevent fraud and keep your accounts and money safe. Before placing the card on petrol stations – where card skimmers are most common – make sure that the petrol pump panel shows no signs of tampering. Then take a good look at the card reader itself, and make sure it looks normal. If something goes wrong, turn on the card reader, and if it moves, notify the caretaker. Whenever possible, run debit cards as credit so you do not have to enter a PIN. If this can not be avoided, cover the PIN code by hand so that nearby cameras can not see which numbers are being entered. Never leave your credit or debit card out of sight either, and only take it out when you are about to use it. As always, customers are encouraged to create the strongest passwords possible, and never use the same password for anything else. It is also important for customers to keep their contact information up to date so that your bank can reach you immediately if there is any suspicious activity on your accounts. Customers should also keep all electronics such as phones, tablets and computers up to date with the latest software updates to protect against any vulnerabilities. In today’s world, you should be careful about sharing on social media. Information such as date of birth, employer or family members can be used to access your accounts. Parents are encouraged to talk to their children about Internet security and what they can and cannot share online. Also get acquainted with the red flags that come with scams. Be careful with emails, text messages, phone calls and letters from people you do not know. More importantly, never send money – whether it’s cash, check or gift card – to strangers or someone who is forcing you to send money. CCRA 3’s documentary Easy Money: Fraud, Fortune and Failures explores the wave of problems created by EDD errors and talks with frustrated unemployment seekers, lawmakers, detectives and business owners who were affected. You can see the special at KCRA.com/easymoney.Easy Money-Related Content Here’s what you can buy for that money
Fraud from the California Employment Development Department flourished during the pandemic of 2020 and early 2021. Criminals were known for not only falsely applying for and receiving EDD benefits, but also stealing information and money from unemployed California residents who desperately needed the money.
One of the most common ways criminals were able to take this information from other EDD debit cards was through a technology that has been around for quite some time: card skimmers.
Short skimmers are commonly used in places such as gas stations, which see more customers over short periods.
| MORE | See how card skimmers work in the video above
Detectives from the Riverside Police Department explained to KCRA 3 that skimmers are basically card readers that capture magnetic stripe data from the card.
“It’s so fast. Then 10 seconds later another car stops and doesn’t even notice anything,” said investigator Katie Mendonza.
She added that these thieves specifically targeted EDD cards because there was less security for them than regular debit cards. They are also able to withdraw significantly more money at a time.
“With a regular bank card, if you were to go to your bank, as I am with a credit union, I could withdraw around $ 300 400 at a time. These EDD cards allow you to withdraw $ 1000 at a time,” she said.
Tips on how to protect yourself
Banks across the country provide similar advice on how to best prevent fraud and keep your accounts and money safe.
Before inserting the card at petrol stations – where card skimmers are most common – make sure that the petrol pump panel does not show any signs of tampering. Then take a good look at the card reader itself, and make sure it looks normal. If something seems wrong, turn on the card reader, and if it moves, let the attendant know.
Whenever possible, run debit cards as credit, so you do not have to enter a PIN. If this can not be avoided, cover the PIN code by hand so that nearby cameras can not see which numbers are being entered.
Also, never leave your credit or debit card out of sight and take it out first when using it.
As always, customers are encouraged to create the strongest possible password, and never use the same password for anything else.
It is also important for customers to keep contact information up to date so that your bank can reach you immediately if there is suspicious activity on your accounts.
Customers should also keep all electronics such as phones, tablets and computers up to date with the latest software updates to protect against any vulnerabilities.
In today’s world, you should be careful not to overdo it on social media. Information such as date of birth, employer or family members can be used to access your accounts. Parents are encouraged to talk to their children about Internet security and what they can and cannot share online.
Also get acquainted with red flags that come with scams. Be careful with emails, text messages, phone calls and letters from people you do not know. More importantly, never send money – whether it is cash, check or gift card – to strangers or someone who is forcing you to send money.
KCRA 3s documentary Easy money: scams, wealth and mistakes explores the wave of problems created by EDD’s failures and talks to frustrated unemployment seekers, lawmakers, detectives and business owners who were affected.
You can see the special at KCRA.com/easymoney.
