EFTPOS attacks net gangs $50 million

The Daily Telegraph ^ | January 21, 2010 | Nick Tabakoff

[myknowledge]

NSW is at the centre of an unprecedented attack by an international criminal gang on retailers' EFTPOS machines, fleecing $50 million.

The wave of attacks on EFTPOS machines was yesterday described by NSW fraud squad head Detective Superintendent Colin Dyson as "the biggest I've seen".

Fast-food, convenience and specialist clothing stores are bearing the brunt of the crime. McDonald's is among the outlets whose EFTPOS machines have been targeted.

People commonly swipe both credit and debit cards through the in-store machines to pay for goods and services at these outlets.

[myknowledge]

Look out...keep your credit cards and EFTPOSes safe...because they want your digital cash!!!

[rarestia]

While many bank ATMs could be susceptible to this attack, I’m going more and more towards cash for purchases under $1,000. I got $250 off my plasma TV for paying in cash, and I never have to worry about handing my card over to some kid who might be complicit in the scheme.

If people were as cognizant of the use of their credit/debit cards as they are with their SS cards, this wouldn’t be an issue. Then again most people will give their SSN over to the phone to anyone who claims to be involved with their money. Recognize the scams out there, and you can easily identify the scammers before they fleece you.