Brewerton (WSYR-TV) - Scammers have hatched a new credit card scheme to rip off retailers and police say they’re targeting liquor stores all around the state.
In Brewerton, Liquor Town store owner Robert Tisdell thought he was having a great day in sales when three men walked into his store and purchased more than $900 in Grey Goose. Tisdell became suspicious when three of the credit cards were declined . But the fourth worked, and it matched the man’s ID and signature.
“It was fishy, but what do you really say? Because it ends up going through and you have confirmation,” Tisdell said.
The owner later learned that the card was cloned and the number was stolen from a Texas businessman. Tisdell’s store wasn’t the only one ripped off around the state. Another liquor store in Brewerton and one in Buffalo were ripped off that same day. "We believe this credit card was used in Western New York and in the New York City area," said Police Chief Joe Snell. Police are warning retailers to stay on their toes and to keep up with the scam.
“Well, they know what they’re doing, no doubt about it,” said Cicero Police Chief Joe Snell. “I think what people need to be aware of – especially businesses and vendors – if they come in and they have multiple credit cards, after the third failing, you really need to stop the transaction.”
Tisdell is hoping the credit card company will cover the loss, but, so far, they have they have made no guarantee.
In the Brewerton scam, the subjects were driving a small black Nissan Versa.
You can e-mail your tips to the Cicero Police at epolicing@ciceropd.us.
