GREEN BAY, Wis. (NBC 26) -- A simple payment at the gas station or one click of a computer mouse could put your bank account at risk.
"Typically, it's that credit card fraud that kind of comes our way," NWTC Instructor of System Security Ryan Van Scyoc said. "And that's kind of been a staple or go-to for a long time in the [fraud] industry, because that's what we use in order to pay, in order to buy things."
BACKGROUND: Casino patron's bank account hacked after Menominee Casino cyberattack
Cyberattacks and hackers pose an increasing threat to personal consumer information in Northeast Wisconsin. After the Menominee Casino Resort fell victim to an attack against its computer systems last Friday, one Suring man told NBC 26 his bank account was compromised after buying gas at the casino's station.
So local experts like Van Scyoc have advice to stay safe from cybercrimes and card fraud.
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"Probably sitting in a public WiFi place is not the best place to go shopping," Van Scyoc said.
The NWTC professor says credit card fraud can even occur at the cash register.
"I want to look for any sort of signs of tampering," he said. "You may not necessarily know what that looks like, but is [the card reader] sturdy? If I kind of just wiggle the keypads a little bit, is something going to come off?"
Others experts like Lyneen Fischer agree. But she says you should try not to swipe your card.
"I always make sure I can try to use the chip [reader]," Fischer said. "Make sure that that merchant uses chip and that you're using it with your pin number."
Fischer says shoppers should sign up for bank account alerts.
"Cards are the easiest method to pay for things and people should not be afraid to use them, but to also be aware of what's happening," the North Shore Bank Security and Payments Manager said.
While identity and security fraud is a threat, both experts say the best strategy is to be aware.
"Where did you find this merchant?" Fischer asked. "Did you check them out? Did you vet them? Did you look at their reviews online?... If you are diligent and monitor, you are going to be okay."
