Businesses Warned About Card Payment Scam

Small businesses across Harborough are being warned of a mysterious scam that appears to involve the manipulation of card payment machines.

Hotels have been among those targeted by the fraud, with the scammer seemingly being about to take control of machines when making transactions to issue inflated refunds.

Leicestershire Police say shops and vets in other part of the county have also fallen victim to the fraud and believe there may be more victims who have not come forward.

The force’s Economic Crime Unit says it has been reported the offender or offenders are able to either take control of a card machine when making a payment, or is able to cancel a transaction.

They are then able to over-charge themselves for the item or items they are buying or use the machine to issue a refund themselves.

In each case it was identified that the suspect was issuing a refund to a card that was not in their name.

Nicole McIntyre, from the ECU, said: “We would like to remind small business owners to remain vigilant and be aware of this scam.

“Please take caution when providing a card machine for a customer to make a payment. If you notice anything unusual or suspicious when they are using once, we would advise cancelling the transaction if possible. Where possible, it would also be helpful if you could retain any CCTV footage.

“Further advice about refund scams can be found here: https://www.takefive-stopfraud.org.uk/advice/business-advice/refund-scams/

“If you have any information that could help or if you have been a victim of such a scam then please do not hesitate to make a report.”

You can pass on information by visiting https://www.leics.police.uk/ro/report/fo/v2/report-fraud-bribery-corruption/ or calling 101 and quoting master reference 24*544624.

You can also make a report to Action Fraud by visiting https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/