Money stolen by credit fraud

Police caution about giving credit card information over the phone.
AUSTINTOWN -- Police are investigating reports of two township residents whose credit cards were used in unauthorized wire transfers.
On June 15, a 57-year-old North Meridian Road woman reported that a woman, claiming to be from MCI called her, saying the company needed to collect a $2.67 overdue bill.
The caller told the woman that if she didn't supply a credit card number, the bill would be turned over to a collection agency. The woman gave her credit card number and the card was used to transfer more than $150 via Western Union. Other attempts to access money using the card number were denied, police said.
Second case
On June 22, a woman claiming to be from MCI called a 33-year-old Aldrich Road woman again saying she was trying to collect a $2.67 overdue bill. After arguing with the caller for several minutes, the resident gave her debit card information.
The card was used to make two transactions through Western Union, totaling $562. A third attempt was denied.
In both cases, the callers asked for the women by name.
Detective Sgts. Frank Tomasino and Dan Kosco said that in both cases, the money was picked up at a West Market Street, Warren, market by residents of that city.
The detectives also cautioned residents about giving out information to people making unsolicited telephone calls.
"Do not give out your credit card number over the phone," Tomasino said.