PIERRE, S.D. (Legal Newsline) - South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley warned state business owners on Thursday about a telemarketing scam reported in South Dakota.
The scam occurs when a potential customer seeks to buy various retail items with a credit card. The scammer places a telephone call to the business for a direct retail purchase using a credit card, usually a large quantity or number of items. After the sale is completed, the scammer will call back to cancel the sale, requesting the refund be put on a different credit card than the one originally used at the time of sale.
Jackley suggested that businesses obtain additional credit card information from consumers making returns to weed out scammers.
"Businesses need to proceed with caution when answering unsolicited phone calls, emails or text messages even from potential customers," Jackley said. "Businesses are being encouraged to obtain additional credit card information from the customer. If the customer is reluctant to provide contact information or requests that a refund be placed on a different credit card then that may signal a concern."
Several South Dakota lumber supplies have been subject to the credit card scam.
Victims or other businesses seeking additional information about the scam can contact Jackley's Consumer Protection Division.
S.D. AG warns business owners of credit card scam
