Credit card information can be easily stolen, woman learns


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SALT LAKE CITY — Imagine someone stealing and using your credit or debit card, all while it remains in your wallet or purse.

That happened to a South Jordan woman who learned the hard way about this ever-increasing fraud.

"It's one of those situations where you should be aware of your surroundings, and I missed it," said Kristin Ting.

That miss could have cost Ting $750. She believes an identity thief was looking over her shoulder when she filled out an order form during a Christmas gift show. She believes the thief snapped a picture of her information.

"It's the only place I can think of where he would have all that information all in one place," she said. "I still had my credit card."

Whoever got her credit card information used it to order two professional graphics tablets from Staples. The thief even used Ting's shipping address and a phone number just one digit off her number.

However, the crook used his or her own email address. Ting suspects the person wanted shipping notifications so they could pick up those tablets from her porch.

Protecting credit card information
  • Keep a record of your account numbers, their expiration dates and the phone number to report fraud for each company in a secure place
  • Don't lend your card to anyone — even your kids or roommates
  • Don't leave your cards, receipts, or statements around your home or office
  • During a transaction, keep your eye on your card -- get it back before you walk away
  • Carry your cards separately from your wallet
Source: FTC

"Probably he was just going to pick it up because people aren't home, there are lots of packages just going around on the doorsteps right now," Ting said.

Staples stopped delivery one day before those tablets were expected to arrive on her porch. Police said that likely tipped off the culprit; no arrests have been made.

Ting said she has changed the casual way she has treated her personal security when it comes to using credit and debit cards.

"Be aware of your surroundings," she said. "Thanks to my husband, we caught this early. Just stay on top of your credit card information; check regularly."

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Bill Gephardt

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