NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is warning New Yorkers about a possible credit card scam involving lost and found inquiries.
On Thursday, the MTA said it is reminding its customers that it does not charge a fee for lost and found inquiries. The agency warned not to provide credit card information to third-party websites that solicit unofficial lost property reports.
Web Extra: MTA lost and found
If you believe you lost an item on a train or a bus, or at a station, you can submit a lost property claim free of charge and directly to the MTA online, by phone, or in person.
The MTA said customers have been reporting that online searches have directed them to “an official-looking website,” that asks for their personal information and a credit card payment.
Officials said the website – www.lostpropertynyc.com — implies that that it contacts the MTA on behalf of the customers. The MTA, however, said its lost and found offices do not do business with the website or any other third-party company.
“Anyone looking to submit a claim for lost property needs to go through the MTA’s official website,” said MTA Police Chief Michael Coan. “There is no charge to submit a claim to any of the MTA’s lost and found units.”
MTA police have now launched an investigation into the claims from its customers regarding lostpropertynyc.com.
Officials said they also notified the New York City Taxi & Limousine Commission and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey because the website also solicits information from taxi and airport customers.
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