As an individual, you feel frustration because you don't know when or how you will become a victim of the growing fraud and identity theft trend. You take all the steps you can to protect yourself.
Criminals are always scouting for a purse left in a vehicle or mail left in the mailbox overnight. All they need is your checkbook or your debit card. These are the tools used to support their drug habit.
Businesses are the middle-man in this problem, choosing to accept credit card payments without verifying the identity of the cardholder or comparing the signature on the check with the signature on the photo identification.
The Fraud Free Business program is a tool for merchants and another safeguard for consumers. The program, supported by Gig Harbor Police and the Pierce County Sheriff's Department, reduces security loopholes used by criminals with stolen credit cards and checkbooks.
As a member of the program, businesses make a commitment to reduce the loopholes. Employees begin to compare cardholders' signatures with those on identification cards. They will only accept checks if a thumbprint is submitted. They also document physical and vehicle descriptions if a customer is acting suspiciously.
Law enforcement officers provide the training free of charge. The 'Stop Fraud' signs are provided to the business to advertise the committment made to participate in the program. A list of participating businesses is distributed to residents, encouraging support through consumer spending.
It's a win-win situation for all except the criminals.
