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Debit card fraud: Be aware this holiday season By KYLE WILSON
CNA assistant managing editor kwilson@crestonnews.com
Earlier this month, more than 200 people in south-central Iowa had money stolen from their bank accounts via debit card fraud — a rapidly-growing problem across the United States affecting 22 million people last year. Sarah Young, electronic banking officer at First National Bank (FNB) in Creston, said the widespread debit card fraud earlier this month affected about 3 percent of FNB cardholders. Meanwhile, Iowa State Savings Bank (ISSB)
in Creston reported 1 percent affected. “We have not been officially notified where the breach occurred,” Young Young said. However, a story that aired last week by WGEM news in Quincy, Ill., links debt card fraud happening earlier this month at three gaming boats including Lakeside Casino in Osceola, St. Jo Frontier Casino in St. Joseph, Mo., and Mark Twain Casino in La Grange, Mo.
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WGEM reports the company that processes all three boats debit cards had a security breach and that’s where debit card numbers were compromised.
Be aware Young said all money stolen from their cardholders via debit card fraud was credited back within five business days or less. “All of our cardholders have zero-fraud liability,” Young said. Theresa Huck, compliance officer at ISSB, said many times when debit card fraud occurs it’s out of your control because the business where you used the card at was hacked and your account informa-
tion has been taken. On rare occasions Huck said fraud occurs when the processor — the link between the merchant and bank — has been hacked. Huck said you should be aware of several areas — in your control — whereby Huck you can avoid debit card fraud. “In general, don’t let your debit card out of your sight,” she said. “That includes restaurants. Go to the register to pay as there are
even handheld skimmers out there and with one swipe of your card they can record card data.” Card information obtained by the skimmer is then used to duplicate cards that are used to make unauthorized purchases and cash withdrawals. Huck also warns to be careful at stand-alone ATM — like at convenience stores — because fraudsters know those ATM are not under the constant watch of bank associates allowing them to easily install a skimmer. Please see FRAUD, Page 2
ONCE UPON A MATTRESS ■
More than 950 tickets were sold to Creston High School’s musical “Once Upon A
Mattress” held Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the school auditorium. The musical — which included a pit orchestra — was directed by Jane Warner.
SWCC volleyball team headed to nationals Southwestern Community College held a send off for the volleyball team at 1:30 p.m. today as they left for the National Junior College Athletic Association Division II National Volleyball Championship in Perrysburg, Ohio, at Owens Community College, Nov. 21-23. The Spartans hold the #12 seed and will play #5 Illinois Central 3 p.m. Thursday. The Spartans won the Region XI-B title in dramatic fashion over top-seeded Kirkwood, 3-1, Nov. 9 to earn the first berth to the national tournament in 14 years. Fans who are unable to attend the national tournament can still watch the game on the Internet via live stream at http://www. njcaatv.com/volleyballchamp.
Creston: Arts poetry slam
Creston: Arts will hold the first poetry slam at Adams Street Espresso at 8 p.m. Dec. 6. Sign up for participants starts at 7:30 p.m. Presenters should have three pieces available to read and can read, rap, sing or act out their poetry.
CNA photos by KYLE WILSON
Sir Harry (Tyler Peters) and Lady Larkin (RaeAnne Hopkins) are featured together in the first act singing the song “In a Little While.”
Queen Aggravain (Maddie Travis), left, touches the nose of her son Prince Dauntless (Ben Mullin) during Creston High School’s musical “Once Upon a Mattress” Saturday.
Mistrial: Jury fails to reach verdict in Techel murder trial
MOUNT PLEASANT (MCT) — The 12-person jury did not reach a verdict in the Seth Techel first-degree murder trial Friday. This is the second mistrial in this case. Techel’s first trial, held in Ottumwa, ended in a mistrial on March 15. Techel, 23, is charged with first-degree murder in the death of his wife, Lisa. She was 23 years old, and five months pregnant, when she was killed in May 2012. Seth Techel is accused of firing a shotgun that killed his wife, who was asleep. Seth Techel is also charged in the death of the unborn child. It’s unknown if Techel will be tried for a third time.
MORE INSIDE Creston Firefighter 5K
The second annual Band of Brotherhood 5K Run/Walk and Firefighter Mile Hike was held Saturday at McKinley Park. It was hosted by the Creston Fire Department. Ninety people participated. For photos from the event, see page 10A in today’s Creston News Advertiser.
From left, Jester (Maya Struhar), King Sextimus the Silent (Maxx Walters) and Minstrel (Kim Alley) sing together during the first act of the musical Saturday.
To view all photos taken at the musical by the News Advertiser, visit www.crestonnews.com and click on the photos tab. ■
Prince Dauntless (Ben Mullin) catches a falling Princess Winnifred (Ryan Vasquez) during Creston High School’s musical “Once Upon a Mattress” Saturday.
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Volume 130 No. 113 Copyright 2013
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Contents
Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9 Comics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Crossword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Deaths. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Heloise Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Local . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-8 Turkey Giveaway. . . . . . . . . 5
Tuesday weather High 55 Low 40 Full weather report, 3A