Int. Adviser
Police have raised the red flag, cautioning retailers around the country to be vigilant after four men were arrested and charged in Perth last week allegedly swapping out EFTPOS machines, refunding $10,000 to other accounts.
WA Police believe the scam could be a part of a larger organised crime syndicate and could be operating nation-wide.
Detective Sergeant Jamie Hutcheson from the Financial Crimes Squad implores employers and staff to protect their EFT machines after offenders were alleged to have targeted businesses in several Perth suburbs, including Dianella, Duncraig, Perth and Leederville.
"If you're going to leave the counter take the device with you or secure it under the counter if you can. Or, if you can make sure there is a staff member always around the EFTPOS machine"- Detective Sergeant Jamie Hutcheson
Detective Sergeant Hutcheson suggested staff confirm their business name appeared on EFTPOS receipts as an added precaution.
"The offenders — usually two or more people — go into a business and they will distract a staff member, and then they'll steal an EFTPOS machine, and they'll replace it with a compromised machine"- Detective Sergeant Jamie Hutcheson
The Western Australia Briefing
Two men were busted at Perth Airport on June 1, using false ID to purchase tickets. A luggage search later revealed EFTPOS devices, allegedly stolen. Police later arrested two more men on June 4 after attending a business at Joondalup.
All four men have appeared in the Perth Magistrate’s Court.
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