Police are warning the public to be wary after a number of recent frauds were committed during EFTPOS transactions in the Redfern area, NSW Police say.
State Crime Command Financial Crimes Squad Acting Commander, Detective Acting Superintendent Matthew Craft said businesses needed to be wary of financial scammers.
"In some recent examples small business owners received an email from a person who claims to be overseas and not able to call, or attend the business personally," Det A/Supt Craft said.
"The caller asks the business to process credit card payments for either their services or the services of someone else, and a credit card number(s) is provided.
"The business operator manually enters the credit card numbers on their EFTPOS terminal and charge the credit card, believing they will receive the funds.
"The business then sends the same amount of money to someone else, only to be informed a few days later that the credit card transactions were reversed, and are left with the debt.
"Any small business receiving an email requesting them to process credit card payments without physically sighting the credit card and actual card holder should be viewed with suspicion," Det A/Supt Craft said.
"Merchants need to be aware about the dangers of completing financial transactions over the telephone with individuals you don't know and whose identity you cannot confirm.
"The banking rules are clear that any unauthorised transactions, will result in a financial loss for your business.
"Be alert and suspicious of any unsolicited phone calls requesting an unusual financial transaction be completed using an EFTPOS machine," Det A/Supt Craft warned.
If you have any concerns contact your financial institution helpdesk for advice.
Police are urging anyone with information in relation to this incident to call Crime Stoppers.
