A debit card accidentally left in a Walmart card reader turned into more than $1,000 in unauthorized purchases, according to Muskego police.
The victim left the card behind at about 6:30 p.m. on July 3. Police say a suspect was later seen on camera taking the card from the reader.
The card was then used at several stores in Muskego, Greendale, and New Berlin. Investigators are now asking the public to help identify the person connected to the theft and fraud.
Police Say the Suspect Was Caught on Camera
FOX6 reported that the victim later realized the card was missing and found several unauthorized transactions tied to the account.
Muskego police said the suspect was observed on camera at Walmart taking the debit card. Investigators said the person concealed it with another card before leaving the store.
Police said the suspect left the area at about 6:40 p.m. in a Jeep Wrangler. The victim later discovered unauthorized transactions totaling $1,177. Police said the purchases were made at Sephora and Kohl’s in Muskego, Ulta Beauty in Greendale, and The Ridge Cinema in New Berlin.
The Case Remains an Identification Request
No arrest or suspect name has been announced. Muskego police are asking anyone who can help identify the person to contact Officer Jones at the department.
Anyone with information can contact Officer Jones at wjones@muskego.wi.gov or 262-679-4130.
A Card Left Behind Can Become Fraud Within Minutes
The FTC says consumers should report lost or stolen cards right away, and should follow up in writing with the address used for billing disputes or errors when fraudulent charges appear.
Debit cards can carry more immediate risk than credit cards because unauthorized purchases or ATM withdrawals may pull money directly from a checking account while the dispute is reviewed.
Suspected card theft should be reported to the card issuer and local law enforcement. If a card was stolen from a mailbox or a replacement card never arrived, a report can also be filed with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.