The staff of the Ridgewood blog
Glen Rock NJ, a local resident received an unexpected shock on April 1st after discovering a $7,185 fraudulent charge on their credit card — and no, it wasn’t an April Fool’s prank.
According to Glen Rock Police, the charge came from Bergdorf Goodman, the high-end department store located on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, known for luxury items like $5,000 designer handbags and couture fashion.
🕵️ How the Fraud Was Discovered
The resident was alerted to the unauthorized purchase through a text message notification on their phone. Acting quickly, they called police around noon to report the suspicious activity.
When they contacted American Express, the cardholder was stunned to learn that the purchase had been made in-person, using a physical credit card.
🔐 What Happened Next
American Express acted swiftly by:
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Canceling the compromised card
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Issuing a new card equipped with multi-factor authentication (MFA) for added security
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of security by requiring multiple forms of identity verification — such as a password plus a text message code — making it much harder for fraudsters to succeed.
Meanwhile, the Glen Rock Police Detective Bureau is actively investigating the incident.
🛍️ Why Bergdorf Goodman?
The choice of Bergdorf Goodman, a luxury retailer known for designer labels like Bottega Veneta, raises red flags for potential high-end credit card fraud rings operating in or around New York City. It’s not uncommon for stolen card information to be cloned onto a physical card, then used to make in-store purchases before detection.
🔎 What Glen Rock Residents Need to Know
This incident serves as a powerful reminder to stay vigilant when it comes to credit card usage. Here are some quick tips to protect yourself from similar scams:
✅ Set up instant transaction alerts
Receive real-time text or email notifications for every purchase made with your card.
✅ Use multi-factor authentication
Opt-in for MFA wherever it’s available — it adds an important security layer.
✅ Check your credit card statements regularly
Even small unauthorized charges could be test transactions from fraudsters.
✅ Be cautious with physical cards
Store them securely and report a lost card immediately.
🧠 Final Thoughts: Fraud Can Happen to Anyone
Even on a day like April Fool’s, credit card fraud is no laughing matter. The Glen Rock Police Department is urging residents to monitor their accounts closely and report suspicious activity immediately.
If you’ve been a victim of credit card fraud or want to learn more about protecting your financial information, contact your local police department or financial institution for assistance.
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