July 05, 2024

My office is currently handling several open investigations into card skimming -- a type of theft that occurs when illegally installed devices on ATMs, cashier terminals, or fuel pumps capture card data and record PIN entries for purposes of fraud.

Criminals use the data to create fake payment cards and then make unauthorized purchases or steal from victims' accounts.

It is important to be aware of this type of card fraud, which affects debit, credit and electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards, so that you are better equipped to avoid becoming a victim.

These devices can look similar to legitimate card swipe machines. Consider the below guidelines every time you use your card:

• Quickly scan the machine you are about to use. Do not use the machine if the card reader seems damaged or crooked or if the keypad numbers are hard to press or feel thick.

• Use a bank ATM, as opposed to privately-owned ATMs inside convenience stores or restaurants, to withdraw cash and a mobile wallet as payment whenever possible.

• Cover the keypad with your hand when entering your PIN in case a tiny camera is recording your number.

• Check your accounts regularly and immediately report any suspicious activity to your financial institution.

If you or someone you know has been a victim of skimming, reach out to the Frauds Bureau in my office by emailing frauds@queensda.org or calling 718-286-6673. We're here to help.

My top priority will always be keeping you and your loved ones safe.

In Friendship,

Melinda Katz

Queens District Attorney

• A Forest Hills man has been charged with attempted murder in the brutal beating of a deli worker in Woodside.
• A reputed gang member was sentenced to 20 years to life in prison for the deadly shooting of a Corona teenager in July 2021.

If you have information regarding the death of Jayme Loder, who was killed in Briarwood 24 years ago, contact NYPD Crimestoppers by calling 800-577-TIPS, or through the online form.

It is never too late for justice.

Graduation Ceremonies

It was a source of immense joy to address the graduating seniors at P.S. 101, P.S. 144, and Townsend Harris High School during their recent commencement ceremonies.

I was delighted to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the graduates, recognizing and celebrating their achievements. I also presented the Queens District Attorney's Graduate Award for outstanding dedication to education to a select group of students, carefully chosen by their school officials.

The future is undoubtedly bright for these young minds.

Mobile Office in Whitestone

We continue to make this office more accessible to the public through mobile office hours at local libraries.

Members of my Community Partnerships Division and Assistant District Attorneys recently met with residents at the Queens Public Library in Whitestone.

Join us at our next stop at the Queens Public Library at Peninsula in Rockaway Beach on July 11, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Elder Fraud Prevention

Members from my Frauds and Housing and Worker Protection Bureaus routinely educate the public on how to steer clear of scams and fraudulent activities.

With a particular focus on safeguarding seniors who are increasingly becoming targets, the bureaus recently hosted a Senior Housing and Financial Scams Awareness presentation at the Raices Corona Older Adult Center in Corona.

If your organization or agency could benefit from a similar session, contact my Community Partnerships Division at CommunityPartnerships@queensda.org or 718-286-6435.