Tasmanian teenager charged with credit card fraud

A Tasmanian teenager has been charged with $40,000 worth of fraud.

The arrest should be a warning to retailers after reports of fraudulent credit card transactions involving goods and services ordered online and then collected or refunded in person, according to Tasmania Police.

Detective Sergeant Gen Hickman said these cases usually saw one person use the card online or by phone, sometimes working from another state, and then someone else picks up the goods or the refund.

"The ability to prosecute these criminals is limited for this reason," she said.

"The fraudulent transactions have linked to networks working interstate."

She said those items targeted generally include cars, cinema tickets, fast food, hotel accommodation and clothing.

The card details are illegally purchased and the network of fraudsters is mainly using Commonwealth Bank of Australia cards with the first six digits being 535316, but police warned they can use other cards too.

West Australia police are also investigating fraud to the value of $150,000.