Local Woman Victim Of Michael's Debit Card Fraud Scam

QUINCY (CBS) -- Pam McIsaac of Quincy knew something was wrong when her credit card company contacted her about unusual activity on her Visa debit card.

$200 had been withdrawn on the morning of May 21, another $100 in the afternoon, and $400 on Sunday, May 22. It was all taken from an ATM machine in Anaheim, California.

"I told them I didn't authorize the withdrawals," said McIsaac, who was holding the card as she spoke with the representative on the phone.

McIssac was the victim of a debit card fraud scam affecting Michael's Arts and Crafts stores across the country. Massachusetts is one of nineteen states that's been targeted by the thieves who've compromised information on at least 90 keypads in 80 stores.

WBZ-TV's Beth Germano reports.

"It's creepy, very creepy," said McIsaac, who recently shopped at the Michael's in Braintree for some yard decorations.

"They sent me a forty percent discount card in the mail and I used it, wow," she said.

Investigators don't yet know how thieves were able to tamper with the machines at the check-out counters.

"I'm fascinated how they did it. Were they standing behind me looking over my shoulder?"

McIsaac says she frequently uses her debit card instead of cash for the convenience. Michaels is removing the suspicious swipe pads replacing more than 7,000 in its stores.

Anyone who shopped at the stores between February and May is being urged to check their statements.