CREDIT CARD FRAUD WARNING From Eastland Chamber of Commerce

Our thanks goes to Kepha Hawkins at Accredited Business Abilene Restoration who alerted the BBB to a 
fraudulent credit card transaction, this time targeting roofing contractors.  The convoluted scheme included 
a $5000 cash transaction.  BBB advises caution when dealing with customers unknown to you who place credit 
card orders over the phone. Become familiar with the charge back policies of your credit card processor when 
taking phone orders & are “forced transactions”.  If you suspect a stolen card report it to your merchant 
processor ASAP. These types of crimes are very hard to investigate and prosecute because there is less 
physical evidence, the transaction is all done on the phone or email, and the merchandise shipped out 
of the area. The use of a deaf relaying service may further obfuscate the true location of the crooks.  
It’s a way to make “free” international calls.  Often the details of the deal are completed via email. 
Many times the crooks want you to withdraw cash on the card for unusual “shipping arrangements”.