The City of Odessa has recently seen an increase in Merchant reports of “Card Not Present” (CNP) Schemes. “Card Not Present” means that the cardholder does not physically present the card for a merchant's visual examination at the time that an order is given, and payment is made. These recent schemes have included merchandise orders and card payments made by TELEPHONE. The scammer makes an order for pick up and then makes a payment with
stolen credit card information. The scammer then sells the merchandise online, to a local witting or unwitting person who then collects the merchandise.
Scammers / callers have been known to send photos of fake identification cards, to “prove” their identities; but also claim to making merchandise orders for others to pick-up. Frequently, the name of the caller, cardholder and pick-up person are all different. Once the scammer is successful, they generally continue to make orders until the merchant recognizes the fraud. Merchants should take extra precautions and time to verify CNP transactions and merchandise pick-ups. Identify all persons and vehicles collecting merchandise and question them about the order and payment made, prior to merchandise release.
Deter theft by requesting purchase receipts, valid ID, inked thumbprint, License plate information, etc. Legitimate customers should approve your efforts. Businesses targeted at this time have been identified as Tire merchants. Anyone with information in reference to these recent incidents is encouraged to contact OPD at 432-335-3333 or Odessa Crime Stoppers at 432-333-TIPS.
