Seven men arrested in connection with debit card fraud

SAINT JOHN, NB - A number of arrests this week in the province in connection with debit card fraud and tampering could be just the tip of the iceberg.

The investigation is widening with RCMP, local and regional police all getting involved.

Seven people, all from Quebec have been arrested.

Yesterday four men appeared in Moncton court in connection with debit fraud at the Salisbury Big Stop Sunday and earlier in the week three men appeared in Hampton court after allegedly trying to steal a point-of sale debit pin pad.

Sgt. Craig MacDougall of the Rothesay Regional Police Force speaking on the "Afternoon News" with Tom Young says the investigation is really just beginning.

"We are investigating to determine if they are involved in other similar types of offences, we're coordinating with the RCMP in that investigation within
New Brunswick," says MacDougall.

Meanwhile, Constable Philippe Cyr of the RCMP, speaking on C-T-V says pin pads are being used to obtain account and password information.

"They're stealing devices used to obtain banking information such as pin pads," says Cyr.

Police are also investigating debit frauds which occurred in Lincoln, near Fredericton.