At Brooks High School in Tasmania, a group of year 10 students used school computers to purchase thousands of dollars of goods through eBay, utilizing stolen credit card information.

Due to laws protecting juvenile offenders, the students cannot be named. However, the Juvenile Justice system has dealt with their case, which is also still being investigated by the police. It is known that all three of the students participated in schoolies breakfast and dinner activities during leavers week.

The students’ fraud took place over roughly a three month period. Their original purchases were credit for cell phones but quickly widened to other items, including video games, iPods, and parts for bicycles.

The major concern of parents questioned regarding the event was how students were able to access sites such as eBay from school computers, as they are supposed to be blocked.

Police inspector Bob Baker would not comment specifically on this case. But he cautioned shoppers to be cautious when using credit cards, specifically during this busy holiday season when plastic is often pulled out. He warned shoppers to keep receipts and ATM printouts secure, keep one hand on wallets and purses, and protect credit and debit card details whilst shopping and getting cash.

Source: examiner.com.au