UPDATE: Debit scam hits Langley
Joan Pearce was one of the many Langley residents who were called into the Bank of Nova Scotia Langley City branch to renew her pin number after the bank’s ATM machine was compromised.
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Updated: November 10, 2009 2:16 PM
Joan Pearce received a call on Monday morning from her bank informing her that her debit card may have been compromised. Her bank asked her to come in to get a new card.
When she arrived at the Scotiabank on 56 Avenue, she wasn’t the only one they had called.
“There was quite a lineup of us getting new cards,” she said.
Lineups could be seen at banks and credit unions across Langley on Monday
Langley RCMP have reports of more than $3,500 taken out of bank accounts belonging to local residents.
“But there is likely a lot more,” said Cpl. Holly Marks. Police are compiling data about just how many victims are involved and where their debit cards were compromised.
So far, it appears the debit card skimming didn't take place in Langley, said Marks.
Ann Derabbie, spokesperson for Scotiabank, said it is standard procedure to ask customers to get a new card if the bank believes there may be a risk of fraud.
“We always err on the side of caution,” said Derabbie.
In a recent incident in Abbotsford, criminals have been installing tiny cameras into a metal plate that stands above the PIN pad which records all the card passwords.
For Pearce, this was her first time having to get a new card. She checked her bank account and no money was withdrawn. But TD Bank is saying the debit skimming scam is widespread across the Lower Mainland, likely involving tampered or replaced PIN pads in retail and food outlets.
More is expected to be revealed about the scam this week.
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