credit card holders in North Yorkshire are being warned to be vigilant following a series of sophisticated confidence tricks, some operating on the worldwide web.

Fraud Squad officers from North Yorkshire police say they have encountered reports of several "scams" which have cost local people dear.

Sergeant Kevin Ross, of the North Yorkshire Police fraud squad, said the Internet could occasionally prove a medium for fraudsters to make money.

"We've had reports ... where people's credit card numbers have been compromised and they have been debited for transactions without their knowledge," said Sgt Ross.

"We've had three cases of this happening during the past 18 months when people have used credit cards to make purchases on the Internet and although it is not yet a high profile crime, we are aware of its potential.

"Members of the public have ordered goods through the Internet and been asked to provide credit card details.

"The goods have arrived, no problem, but in a subsequent statement they have noticed other unauthorised alleged purchases.

"There is no problem getting refunds from credit card companies but it appears the cards have been compromised."

The Evening Press covered one such case last year in which York businessman Glen Bodilly, 23, was the victim. He had £530 siphoned from his bank account after taking out a free subscription with an internet service provider (ISP) in September, and sending the company his debit card details on the web.

He was later compensated by his bank, Lloyds TSB, but the crime is becoming more and more common.

Other credit card users have even fallen victim to a sex con which relies on victims being too embarrassed to report thefts to the police.

The scam was uncovered after credit card users were billed for subscriptions to sex shops and chat lines they had not made through credit card information obtained illegally.

Although no cases of such a fraud have been reported to North Yorkshire Police, the force is fighting an ever-present battle against credit card fraudsters.

In giving advice to the public, Sgt Ross said: "Always make sure you are dealing with a reputable organisation and look for the sites which say 'Credit card details will be encrypted' to avoid this happening."

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