A local jewelry store owner has released surveillance footage to CTV News, in an effort to raise awareness for an alleged fraud attempt, and to help identify the three individuals who appeared to be involved.
The owner of Fine-Line Jewellers on 124 Street near 106 Avenue said she was at work on Tuesday when three people came into the store.
The entire incident was recorded by surveillance cameras, two women and one man walked in, and owner Carmen Kostiuk said there didn’t appear to be anything wrong. The man focused on a collection of watches, and picked one out.
“No ifs, ands, or buts, he doesn’t even try it on,” Kostiuk said.
“Right away, my antennas were up.”
In the video, Kostiuk could be seen taking out the debit machine and turning it towards the man so he could pay. He can be seen taking out a card and inserting it in the machine, but not all way.
“Right away, one of the gals says ‘I’d like to check out chains’, trying to distract me,” Kostiuk said.
Kostiuk said she ignored the woman, and noticed the man punching in more than a four-digit PIN number into the keypad.
“I’m listening to these numbers and then I realize, no, he’s got a white card in his hand,” Kostiuk said.
The card is a white ‘Admin’ card that allows businesses to process credit card payments without a physical card present.
“You get that feeling all the time, but I’ve never seen one with an admin card, where they were trying to force the sale,” Kostiuk said.
Kostiuk didn’t confront the man, she said she “played dumb” and took the machine away – the three then left in separate directions.
She’s reported the incident to police, and they are investigating.
Edmonton Police Service officials told CTV News this type of scam isn’t new, but vendors are encouraged to contact their point-of-sale providers for prevention tips, and businesses should always store admin cards in a safe place.
With files from Dan Grummett
