Local officials work to eliminate money fraud
Kimberly Feather

Staff Writer

Local law enforcement agencies are putting a stop to credit card and check fraud in Joplin and surrounding areas.

Joplin Police Investigations Division, local law enforcement and area businesses are working together to stop crime in Southwest Missouri.

The process works by allowing local banks and retailers and citizens to enter the account number and other information from the stolen check or credit card into a database. This information is then shared with other businesses so everyone is aware the information is stolen.

More than 75 retail stores, 45 banks and 23 law enforcement agencies are involved in this process.

 The response is wonderful,  said Lt. Carl Francis of the Joplin Police Department.  Many new businesses and banks have called to get involved since the last media release. 

These tactics have been around for about 10 years, but local businesses are just now getting involved.

Local businesses and banks are grateful for the technology.

 Fraud is occurring all the time; we need this help prevent it from happening,  said Marcia Baker, member services supervisor of Joplin Metro Credit Union.

Francis pointed out theft by check and credit card crimes presents the highest loss in money for the city of Joplin.

Investigators warn the people committing these crimes are becoming more creative.

Reports have been made that area citizens have received telephone calls from alleged Internet companies saying they can secure customers  Internet business transactions. They ask for individuals to give them their routing numbers from checking accounts, which then gives access to the accounts.

Persons wanting to receive information or wishing to participate in this effort to reduce check and credit card crime are encouraged to notify the investigations division of the Joplin Police Department.