Small business owners and workers might want to keep an eye on the debit and credit card payment terminals in their stores, as there is a new scam targeting these machines in the GTA.
“I couldn’t believe it. We had five payment terminals stolen from our stores” Alan Kideckel, CEO and President of International Pool and Spa Centers, said.
Kideckel said after a successful summer selling pools, spas and supplies, he was shocked when his store was targeted by criminals this fall who were stealing his payment machines.
“It seems that one person would come in and try to distract our employees and then another person would steal the payment machine. We believe it’s connected to organized crime,” Kideckel said.
Police and payment system companies say the thefts are part of a “refund scam” where thieves steal the payment terminals, usually from stores that sell big ticket items, and then refund the money onto stolen credit cards.
“It’s my understanding once they have the terminals they refund the money to stolen credit cards. Then they go to a bank machine and withdraw the money,” said Kideckel.
Kideckel turned over photos of the suspects to police, and Halton Regional’s Police Service (HRPS) said the thefts are still under investigation.
“It was later determined that the suspects processed approximately $15,000 worth of debit refund transactions over the course of the following days,” an HRPS spokesperson told CTV News…
