Albany Police reminds citizens of ways to protecting your account against credit card fraud

ALBANY, Ga. – Following the arrest of a local man who had been copying others credit card information, the Albany Police Department wants to remind you about protecting your account.

Earlier in the month, police arrested Brandon Williams on multiple counts of identity fraud, after police confiscated more than 100 documents that included credit cards.

“…It was a very elaborate scheme. He received information to make a credit card, a driver’s license. Any type of identification or check that you’re needing, he was also making checks as well,” said Sgt. Darryl Jones, Property Crime, Albany Police Department.

But, at the end of 2023, it’s unfortunately not difficult for fraudsters to copy credit card information through different methods.

“This is most common at your local convenience stores, and gas stations, anywhere that you can tap your credit card. Sometimes we don’t know what devices are skimmers, because they look very similar to the actual machine itself…” said Sgt. Jones.

Albany Police says that one of the best modern ways to counteract these fraudsters is to get in touch with your banks to set up alerts.

“…I would advise anyone to set up digital alerts, if you have online banking, or you can get with your bank to set up some type of alert…” said Sgt. Jones.

And, it really can be a difference maker.

“Most people set their threshold at a dollar. So, anything that’s over a dollar that’s used on your credit card, it sends you a text or it calls you to verify that purchase. It may get annoying, but it helps. Especially in this case,” said Sgt. Jones.

The police say that one of the best ways to protect your credit card information is to make sure you’re getting in touch with your bank the second you notice these purchases and contact law enforcement.

Williams was also charged with financial transaction card theft and fraud.

Brian Roche reporting.

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