Garda warning for Athlone businesses after latest credit card fraud incident

One business in the Athlone Garda District is at the loss of goods worth over €8,000 after a credit card used to pay for them was subsequently rejected.

While Sgt Andrew Haran declined to the name the retailer or where exactly it is located, he was keen to appeal to local businesses to be extra vigilant of this type of fraud involving large credit card transactions in-store.

He also raised the need for retailers to carry out further checks.

The incidents only reported on Monday, related to two transactions worth €4,200 each. On each occasion, a credit card was used to pay for goods and the payment appeared to go through.

Afterwards, however, the payment was declined, possibly because the card was found to be lost or stolen. Unfortunately, the goods purchased fraudulently had already been taken away.

“If you don't know the person (paying with the credit card) you can look for supportive documents or further identification at the minimum. Anyone accepting large payments should carry out as many checks as possible. You could also contact the financial institution,” advised Sgt Andrew Haran from Athlone Garda Station.

Anyone with any concerns can call Athlone Gardai on 09064 98550.

Meanwhile, it's emerged a total of 48 pubs and hotels were inspected across the Athlone Garda District over the weekend and all were found to be compliant with Covid-19 regulations.