Sophisticated Poznan-area debit card fraud gang disbanded by police

The police have suceeded in disbanding a group of debit card forgers. So far , 30 members have been apprehended, some of whom are young IT studies gradua tes. "We have destroyed one of the largest organized debit card fraud organi zations," says Maciej Kowalski of Poznan police headquarters. The group had been active since April and was divided into three parts: The first was resp onsible for stealing documents necessary to open an account, the second look ed for homeless people who were then washed, clothed and registered in good hotels. When, after several days, the bank issued a new card, the third grou p of IT specialists changed the magnetic safety features on the card, thanks to which they were able to make cash withdrawals and purchases." After the m odification, the debit card behaved like a credit card," said Kowalski. "You did not have to either authorize it or key in the PIN." Losses incurred by b anks and shops due to the group's activity are estimated at zl. 1 million. (Gazeta Wyborcza, p. 6) A.Z.