Grinches are stealing more than just Christmas

CLEVELAND, Tennessee(WDEF) – This may be the season for giving, but in recent days, it has also been the season for stealing credit cards, pin numbers and bank account numbers.

According to research conducted by News 12, there has been a noticeable increase in reported financial thefts and financial theft arrests throughout the News 12 viewing area.

Walk into any department store and it’s easy to notice the rush of last minute Christmas shoppers. But we might not see is the number of thieves who are making purchases with stolen credit cards and pin numbers.

"They’re using this opportunity to commit the crimes so they can gain. And we’re having a lot of victims during the holidays and it’s a sad thing," said Cleveland Police Officer Evie West.

Case in point, Cleveland Police are actively searching for two suspects seen in surveillance photo below.

                  

Investigators believe the two stole credit card numbers through a skimmer then used the card information to purchase gift cards; which has been a common practice by thieves this season.

"What they’ll do is warm up to it by going in and buying a few things; making sure it works and is not declined. As they gain more confidence in that stuff being approved, they go back and get the gift cards where they put $150, $200, $300 on it."

The Kohl’s Department Store on Highway 153 in Hixson is already taking precautions to protect its customers.

"Our registers will flag any unusual activity on a customers charge card. We don’t typically ask right out for identification but when the register flags us to it, we do that," said Kohl’s Supervisor Billye DeVries-Crowdis.

Regions Bank is telling its customers to closely monitor their accounts on online.

"It compiles daily online. You can look at what you spent; what you save and what’s been deposited. Anything unusual, call your financial institution Immediately," said Corporate Security Executive Don White.

Consumers should also keep in mind that if a crook has your debit card information, that’s money coming straight out of your bank account. If it’s a stolen credit card, you’re not losing your own money. if consumers are leery about using plastic, there’s always cash.