Credit card sting traps thousands

THOUSANDS of Victorians have been caught in an alleged credit card scam which could leave them without money over Christmas.

Up to 4000 ANZ Bank Visa card holders have been unknowingly hit by charges of about $50 credited to software company Topup International.
The company, operating from a central Australian town, said it was taking legitimate payments for software upgrades by its customers.

Visa card holders contacted yesterday said they had never authorised any payments.

About 6000 transactions worth $300,000 have been uncovered so far with most of the affected credit card users still unaware of the situation.

Customers who have contacted the bank have had their cards cancelled, although there has been no widespread freezing of all affected accounts.

The ANZ said the possible security breach was being investigated and customers would receive full refunds if the transactions were found to have been fraudulent.

"We're not exactly sure how it happened," spokesman Paul Edwards said. "At this stage it's not clear whether there's been fraudulent activity, the investigation should be finished by Friday."

Lyn Currie was one ANZ customer trapped, suffering five transactions of about $50 before noticing the missing money.

"Why isn't there some way they can stop this Topup International?"

Victim John Drummond from Mooroolbark, said he was careful about who he gave credit details to and had never authorised a $55.50 payment to Topup International.

With his credit card now cancelled, Mr Drummond is facing a Christmas without buying power.

"If you're relying on your credit card to put petrol in the tank or buy Christmas presents, then it's going to be pretty tough," he said.

The ANZ said all customers would have payments refunded if the transactions were proved to be fraudulent.

Credit card holders were urged to check their bank statements for any dubious payments.

"If people have identified these transactions in their statements, they should get in contact with us," he said.

The Commonwealth Bank, which is leading the investigation because Topup International is its client, said it would treat the matter very seriously.

"We are investigating this matter as an alleged fraud," a spokesman said.
 

Source: NEWS