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"Scugog's Community Newspaper of Choice" PORT PERRY STAR - Tuesday, March 28, 2000 - 11 Police issue credit card scam alert By Jeff Mitchell Port Perry Star Credit card users are being warned by Durham Regional Police to be on guard against scams that could cost them big money. Police have launched an investigation into credit card fraud throughout Durham Region, including Scugog Township, that involves high-tech theft. Const. Al Robins of 26 Division in Port Perry said police are probing instances of "skimming", which sees information taken from credit cards and used to create new, bogus cards. During purchases credit cards are swiped through a device which lifts the information encoded on the card's magnetic strip and stores it. It's then used in the manufacture of phony credit cards. This is often done before cards are swiped through a store's regular counter top credit card devices, said Const. Robins. "The device is small, hand-held and cordless. They're easily concealed due to their size," he said. "Sometime later that information is downloaded D. BRYAN SMILLIE B.A., M.Ed. COUNSELLOR / PSYCHOTHERAPIST Adolescent and Preadolescent Specialist Member of Ontario Association of Consultants, Counsellors, Psychometrists & Psychotherapists Member of Ontano College of Teachers Member of Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation through technology now available, and fraudulent credit cards are registered in the victim's name." Another method that's sometimes employed is a double-swipe, in which a clerk registers the same pur- chase twice, then skims money from the till. In either instance, the victim usually finds out about the rip-off only when he or she receives the monthly credit card bill. Const. Robins said an investigation in Durham, including Scugog Township, has been launched and is continuing. He wouldn't provide more details on sus- pect sites in the township, or what type of businesses may be involved. The best approach for card holders is to be very cau- tious when making purchases with their plastic, he said. "Just keep an eye on what happens with your card when (someone else) has got it," said Const. Robins. Anyone with information that may help police with their investigation can call Det. Tom Andrews at 579- 1520, ext. 2674, or Crime Stoppers at 436-8477. * Counselling for Social, Psychological, Family, School Environment, Academic, Career Issues * No problem is too small * Call confidentially without obligation UXBRIDGE OFFICE (905) 852-6287 DENTAL CENTRE New Patients' Smiles Always Welcome Small town futures topic of panel talk Residents are invited to attend the Lake Scugog Historical Society's annual general meeting on March 30. Of particular interest this year is the planned panel dis- cussion, "Protecting The Character Of A Small Ontario Town." Recently, there have been a number of factors that have come together to make the panel discussion topic particularly appropriate and timely. There is the issue of the vitality of the downtown core, the need for business expansion in certain sectors to ensure economic survival, urban sprawl both within the community and from the south, and finally, the whole question of the Oak Ridges Moraine. And to this list, the pressures for amalgamation with- in Durham Region and the topic becomes more urgent «Dr. J. Cottrell «Dr. J. Hardy Dr. L. Gideon * Dr. C. Banfield ¢ Dr. L. Poranganel Dr. H. Dewar * Dr. T. King (Orthodontist) «Dr. T. McIntyre (Periodontist) --Today's Smile... -- Why is the alphabet in that order? Is it because of that than at any time in the recent past. The choices are not simple. Unplanned growth or change leaves the historic past unprotected, and the chance of retaining the "character" of the community extremely low. Zero growth or change is just as impractical. There are l innumerable examples of towns and villages eventually Songs being totally overwhelmed. The meeting will take place at Town Hall 1873 start- Dental Care ForThe Entire Family ing at 7:30 p.m. on March 30. The panel discussion, Evening & Saturday chaired by local author and past president of the Appointments Available Historical Society Paul Arculus, will consist of Peter Please Call 985-8451 Hvidsten, Ken Gadsden, Marina Brock and Mike Wilson. - i ) Visit our website: www.iluvmydentist.com Together they provide a broad range of backgrounds, 238 Queen Street, Port Perry experience and interests. JOHN DEERE / pring nto SOHN - . a AALS [X15 \ JS60Q LAWN MOWER Only $399 WK Summer * 6-hp * 3-in-1 capability: mulch, bag, or side-discharge 'For LT133 with 38-in. mower based on selling price of $2,799 less $405.33 down payment. Balance of $2,393.67 to be financed with 48 monthly payments of $59, totaling $2,832. 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