Local RCMP warn of new crime trend leaving businesses on the hook

Sep 28, 2018 | 4:20 PM

Grande Prairie RCMP is warning businesses in the city of a new crime trend using the Point of Sale (POS) terminal or debit/credit machine.

According to local police, there have been several incidents where the debit/credit machine at a business has been manipulated and instead of the consumer paying for the items, the expense has fallen back onto the merchant.

Police recommend that businesses keep the following tips in mind:

· Do not leave PIN pads or POS terminals unattended and remain present when transactions are being completed

· Be aware of distractions while transactions are being completed

· Watch that the customer is only entering a 4-digit PIN and isn’t entering a full 16-digit credit card number

· Look at the customer’s credit card to confirm that it’s authentic

· Be suspicious if the transaction is taking an abnormal amount of time

· Examine the receipt and verify how the transaction was processed, watch for manual entry transactions, changes to the dollar amount, or refunds

· Store administrative cards in a secure location and restrict access to the cards

· Report any stolen/lost Admin cards to police

If you have been a victim of POS fraud or have information about frauds of this nature, please call Grande Prairie RCMP at 780-830-5701 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

by Sheena Roszell