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4- PORT PERRY STAR - Tuesday, August 22, 1995 "Scugog"s Community Newspaper of Choice" Theft and fraudulent use of credit cards taken seriously by banks Despite security measures theft and fraud occurs, and credit card owners should take measures to protect themselves, says a bank official. Rob McLeod of the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce said that credit card divisions have safety measures in place to detect fraud, but some measures can be taken so that thieves aren't pro- vided with the opportunity. "We take this (fraudulent) activity very seriously," Mr. McLeod said. He added, though, it's relatively simple for fraud artists to run up charges on someone else's card. "Somebody's card number gets into the wrong hands." In the past several weeks, several instances of credit card fraud have surfaced in the area. In the course of one week, two people with VISA card accounts at the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce in Port Perry were alerted to large and unauthorized purchases on their cards. And two weeks ago, a Sunderland-area man was phoned and told a large purchase had been made with his card number. He told The Star he had not received credit card statements for two months running this summer, and suspected they had been stolen. Mr. McLeod said credit card holders can take several steps to prevent theft and fraud: u Never leave credit cards unattended in stores or restaurants; Q Don't leave cards in your car; 0 Always check the card when it's returned after a purchase to make sure it's yours; 0 Don't give your card number over the phone unless you're dealing with a reputable business or organization; only provide your number when you've made the call; 0 Check your monthly statement for accuracy and any suspicious activity as soon as it arrives, and a Make a list of all credit cards and their numbers; that information can be used to stop purchases made on your cards when they're stolen. Pea - ' Tuy 7} 1 . ') 4 > Q ' = P38% ' EH on REIL TAL Ch Past Model Prices NOW! rn IT'S TIME \ TO MAKE _ Vi 7 7, A) a Ha guts bl 4 Ad # e G.M. has changed its year end discount policy, making it possible to pass dramatic savings on to our customers. * You don't have to wait until October 1st to take advantage of past model savings. NOW selection is GREAT! e LOW LOW Prices on every vehicle on our premises. e PLUS GM Employee and family member discounts. e DISCOUNTS OFF LIST PRICES UP TO $6,000! o Aggressive TRADE-IN Policy - Top dollars for all trade-ins. e Bank or GMAC FINANCING with TERMS available with approved credit. Open Mon thru Thurs. 9:00 CN (OR NO0N oN og ol (A 5:00 p.m., Sat. till 4:00 p.m. "Serving Port Perry & Durham Region since 197 3 PONTIAC BUICK LIMITED 10 Vanedward Drive, Port Perry 985-8474 Kirk and Kyle Steele, of Port Perry, are learning how to be entrepreneurs first hand. The two boys recently started their own business. See story. Young entrepreneurs start new business selling Eco products By Kelly Lown Port Perry Star Two young Port Perry brothers are learning first hand what it takes to be entrepreneurs. Kirk and Kyle Steele re- cently opened their own business, "Youth Ven- tures of Port Perry." The business, which in- volves the distribution of the product ECO EARTH, is being run completely by the nine and 11-year-old boys. The two boys learned about the product while picking raspberrys at a nearby farm and decided they could start their own business in their spare time. By starting their own business in the Port Perry area, they boys have ex- clusive rights to the prod- uct in Durham Region. Others who wish to sell the product, either indi- vidually or in stores, must receive the product through the boys. The company is based in Ux- bridge. ECO EARTH is a natu- ral soil conditioner. It can be used for anything from lawns and gardens to household and outdoor plants. The product is said to re- tain more moisture than ordinary soils, allowing seeds to be started in it. It can be used as a top dress- ing for lawns, promoting a thick, healthy root sys- tem, and is an excellent soil supplement. It supplies essential nu- trients, improves aeara- tion of the soil and is com- pletely harmless to children and pets. Both boys have had jobs such as raspberry picking and selling garden prod- ucts from their home, and will continue to work out- side the company for extra spending money. All prof- its from the business will go towards their educa- tion. "We wanted to find out what having our own busi- 1ess would be like," Kirk said. So far the two business- men say the work is hard, especially the great deal of legwork that must be done to promote the new prod- uct. "It is hard work," Kirk admitted. The two began going door to door last week, and spend more than two hours a day promoting the fertilizer. The two are learning all aspects of the business as all bank accounts and or- ders are in their names only. They have even set up a computer program to keep track of all orders, in- voices and contracts. The boys come by their business interest through their father Mike, a teach- er at Brock High School, who is currently teaching a summer school course involving entrepreneur- ship. : Mr. Steele said he heard about the product and asked the boys if they would be interested in pursuing the business. Mr. Steele said he has spent years teaching busi- ness and now he, along with the boys, is learning what itis to have hands on experience. 'It is a good, honest product and itis offering a chance for the kids to learn," Mr. Steele said. The Steeles agreed to give the business a one- year shot to see if running a business was for them. Their father believes it will be a good experience whether they continue on with the business or not after the yearis up. The experience will show the children wheth- er this is the kind of job they would want in the fu- ture and if it isn't, then Mr. Steele said that is also a valuable lesson for them tolearn.