The Pittsburg Police Department (PPD) issued a statement today, urging citizens who have visited the Pittsburg McDonald's over the last few months to contact them if they suspect any unusual bank activities on their credit or debit cards. This statement comes in response to an alarming incident of credit card fraud that recently came to light.
The investigation was initiated on Monday, July 17, when a vigilant citizen reported a suspicious charge on their credit card shortly after making a purchase at the local McDonald's franchise, which is owned by Griggs Enterprise. The PPD promptly collaborated with Griggs Enterprise to delve into the matter, and it soon became apparent that the fraudulent activities were perpetrated by two employees within the restaurant.
With the assistance of Griggs Enterprise and cooperation from several local banks, law enforcement officers were able to identify and apprehend two juvenile suspects in connection with the credit/debit card abuse. It is believed that these fraudulent activities had been taking place for approximately two months, affecting multiple unsuspecting victims.
"We encourage citizens who have made a purchase at this location within the last several months to contact us if they find any unusual or unauthorized activity on their credit or debit cards. Officers are continuing to follow up on this case as more victims come forward. " said an online post by PPD.
Credit card fraud has been a growing concern, not only in Pittsburg but across the state as well. Authorities are calling for heightened vigilance among citizens to closely monitor their transactions and account statements for any suspicious activity. If any irregularities are detected, individuals are advised to promptly report them to their respective banks and local law enforcement.
Griggs Enterprise, the local McDonald’s franchise owner, issued the following statement: "We have been made aware of fraudulent activity that took place at this store location and are working in partnership with Pittsburg’s Chief of Police, Matthew Lemarr, to help alert customers who may have been impacted – to whom we offer our deepest apologies. We take credit card fraud very seriously and upon learning about this unacceptable behavior, we took immediate action to identify and terminate the employees involved."
"Our organization is committed to putting our customers first, and this conduct is in no way reflective of our values. If you believe you are a customer that may have been affected at our Pittsburg location between the approximate dates of May 1 and July 15, please contact Public Relations Manager Jean Mosley at 318.230.8210 and/or Chief Lemarr at 903.856.7201"
