18/07/2001

LOCAL BUSINESSES FALL PREY TO FRAUD

BANKS are to contribute to the costs of a new task force to tackle organised credit card fraud.

Under a proposed partnership being discussed with the Home Office, APACS, which runs the clearing system between banks, is already involved with training of police officers, with the Home Office confirming that discussions were taking place between the banks and the police with the aim of creating a dedicated law enforcement agency.

Credit card fraud cost £300m last year and is expected to reach £800m by 2005.

The news follows a report which revealed that a Northern Ireland couple have reportedly lost over £11,000 due to a bogus phonecard franchise company.

The company which is behind the £80 million business scam originally advertised for investors in the Daily Mail. The company is currently under investigation by the Metropolitan police

The business involved selling phonecards which give user discounted rates on production of a PIN number. (MB)

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