Three locals arrested for MOP3.5 million credit card fraud

Three local residents have been arrested for their alleged involvement in a large-scale credit card fraud scheme totaling MOP3.5 million, the Judiciary Police (PJ) announced, linking the suspects to more than 2,600 illegal transactions tied to overseas card data.

These suspects allegedly used illegally obtained overseas credit card information to withdraw cash fraudulently from point-of-sale (POS) terminals and online payment systems linked to their own businesses, defrauding financial institutions in the process.

The case involved 2,611 suspicious transactions, with 771 disputed by issuing banks, amounting to MOP1.18 million.

Despite the evidence, the suspects claimed to be strangers, denied any wrongdoing, and refused to cooperate with the investigation.

However, authorities believe they are connected to a larger counterfeit card ring and are actively searching for additional suspects.

The PJ began investigating after two banks reported that merchants were accepting suspicious overseas credit card transactions through contactless methods.

Analysis of transaction data revealed an unusual spike in activity at the involved merchants, with amounts significantly exceeding typical product prices.The fraudulent credit card information originated from countries including the United States, Belarus, France, and Indonesia.
Among those arrested, a 39-year-old car dealership owner was linked to 2,148 fraudulent transactions totaling MOP2.65 million, while another suspect, who operated two shops, was involved in 310 transactions totaling MOP750,000.

A 38-year-old woman, owner of an online beauty store, was also found to have committed 153 fraudulent transactions. Times reporter