Debit card scam at CrossIron Mills mall

The RCMP is warning consumers to keep an eye on their bank accounts after four stores at CrossIron Mills mall in Balzac were the target of a debit card skimming scam in July.

Police were told to investigate claims by bank security detectives of two potential stores with compromised machines.

After the RCMP examined the two tampered machines, they decided to check all 200-plus stores in the mall. Two more false PIN pads turned up.

“Given the location and type of devices, we thought there might be more,” said Cst. Lane Menard of RCMP Calgary commercial crime section.

Skimming consists of a debit card machine being swapped for a tampered look-a-like. When a customer uses the new device, personal information can be recorded and criminals can withdraw money from their account.

Mall management said retailers need education when it comes to such scams and said they don’t treat the security breach lightly.

“This was an isolated incident and we are taking it very seriously,” said James Moller, CrossIron Mills general manager. “We’re trying to rectify the situation and re-assure customers that this is a safe place to shop.”

Now, police are working in collaboration with the Interac Association to investigate this case and curb future skimming.

Menard said some businesses are taking the necessary steps to prevent the fraud but others still aren’t getting the message.

“When you are leaving these pads out in the open, it’s like leaving cash on the table,” said Menard.

Since skimming machines generally operate on a wireless system, store employees are reminded to keep a watchful eye for suspicious looking people lurking outside the store.

Interac machines are connected through a cable similar to a phone jack and the swapping can occur within seconds.

Carleen Bonneau works at Garage clothing in CrossIron Mills and said skimmers targeted a pet store she previously worked at in Airdrie.

“If it’s not anchored (down), it’s as easy as 1-2-3 and you’re done,” said the 19-year-old of the device switch. “When it happens, it scares you.”

Bonneau said three men came into the store 10 minutes before it closed. Two of the men distracted her in the back area while the third lingered around the till. When she came back to the front, she noticed something different about the PIN pad.

“I flipped it over and it had little security stickers… these ones had Safeway stickers…,” she said.

She didn’t let customers use the machine and phoned police after the men left.

“As a thief, you are going to choose to take the place where you have a target rich environment,” said Menard of the CrossIron Mills scam.

New cards with microchips, which are impervious to the scam, are recommended by police in order to deter criminals.

“The more difficult we make it for them, the better it is for us,” said Menard.

Other steps stores can take to ensure they don’t fall victim to the scam include bolting down PIN pads, installing a metal jacket around the wire, and keeping the machine out of sight when not in use. The investigation is ongoing and police are reminding people to check their bank statements for any inconsistencies and to change their PIN frequently.