Patient Reports credit card account information was compromised while he was a patient at Valley Hospital
May 9,2013
Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Police report that on May 1, 2013, a Pompton Plains resident reported that his credit card account information was compromised while he was a patient at Valley Hospital.
The fraudulent charges totaling $12,193 were subsequently made on his account. The matter is currently under investigation by the detective bureau.
Incorporating a few practices into your daily routine can help keep your cards and account numbers safe. For example, keep a record of your account numbers, their expiration dates and the phone number to report fraud for each company in a secure place. Don’t lend your card to anyone — even your kids or roommates — and don’t leave your cards, receipts, or statements around your home or office. When you no longer need them, shred them before throwing them away.
Other fraud protection practices include:
Don’t give your account number to anyone on the phone unless you’ve made the call to a company you know to be reputable. If you’ve never done business with them before, do an online search first for reviews or complaints.
Carry your cards separately from your wallet. It can minimize your losses if someone steals your wallet or purse. And carry only the card you need for that outing.
During a transaction, keep your eye on your card. Make sure you get it back before you walk away.
Never sign a blank receipt. Draw a line through any blank spaces above the total.
Save your receipts to compare with your statement.
Open your bills promptly — or check them online often — and reconcile them with the purchases you’ve made.
Report any questionable charges to the card issuer.
Notify your card issuer if your address changes or if you will be traveling.
Don’t write your account number on the outside of an envelope.
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0216-protecting-against-credit-card-fraud