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CARD SCAM VICTIMS: 500 AND RISING
CROOKS have plundered the account of a Hampden Park couple to the tune of £5,849 - the latest victims in a card fraud epidemic which has hit more than 500 people.
Carol Orr, of Willingdon Park Drive, noticed problems with her joint account before she went away on a week's holiday.
Since her return, she has discovered that fraudsters have siphoned thousands from the account with false transactions to Italy and Canada.
It has meant that she has had to pay for goods and services by cash while her cards are changed.
''I was shocked,'' she said. ''I couldn't believe so much money had been taken.
''I told the bank a week before I went away something funny was going on but it wasn't until I opened and read my statement when I returned I found out why.
''I would have thought that the bank would have picked it up.
''They said that I would get the money back, but it's the inconvenience of all the paperwork and paying for everything with cash.''
Mrs Orr believes that, like many others victims, payments made at the BP service at the Crossways, Willingdon Road, lie behind the problems.
There is no suggestion that the owners of the garage are involved, but police investigations have focussed on an ex-employee.
Sussex Police this week said that more than 500 people have reported that they have been the victims of fraudulent transactions.
More incidents are expected to be reported when bank customers check their monthly statements in the coming weeks.
However, the force believe that hotspots like the BP station in Eastbourne are now as ''safe as anywhere'' to make credit card transactions.
Detective Sergeant Dick Bollard, of Sussex Police's Cheque and Credit Card Fraud unit, is investigating the incidents in East Sussex.
He said, ''This is a long-term investigation but I'd urge members of the public yet to check their statements to do so as soon as possible.
''The petrol stations are, we believe, innocent parties to these crimes and there is no reason why motorists should not use them.
''The investigation is ongoing and we are monitoring the situation.
''I would urge members of the public to be extra vigilant when paying for goods and services by credit and debit cards, even when using chip and pin.
''Businesses which have been involved have been checked and are now as safe as anywhere to do business with.''
Officers are keen to hear from any businesses or members of staff who have been approached to take cash in exchange for their help in replacing chip and pin readers.
Anyone with any information should call 0845 60 70 999 as soon as the incident has taken place.
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Weather for Eastbourne
Thursday 09 February 2012
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Temperature: -1 C to 3 C
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