Small business owners urged to remain vigilant following reports of scam

The force’s Economic Crime Unit (ECU) is warning small business owners to remain vigilant following several reports of a refund scam.

The ECU is aware of several reports across Leicestershire in recent months. They include hotels in the North West Leicestershireand Harborough districts being targeted between September and October, shops in Hinckley being targeted in October and veterinary practices in Charnwood and Coalville during the early part of this month.

It is believed there may be more victims who have not come forward.

It has been reported that the offender is able to either take control of a card machine when making a payment or is able to cancel a transaction. They are then able to over-charge themselves for the item or items they are buying or use the machine to issue a refund themselves. In each case it was identified that the suspect was issuing a refund to a card that was not in their name.

Nicole McIntyre, from the ECU, said: “We would like to remind small business owners to remain vigilant and be aware of this scam.

“Please take caution when providing a card machine for a customer to make a payment. If you notice anything unusual or suspicious when they are using once, we would advise cancelling the transaction if possible. Where possible, it would also be helpful if you could retain any CCTV footage.

“Further advice about refund scams can be found here: https://www.takefive-stopfraud.org.uk/advice/business-advice/refund-scams/

“If you have any information that could help or if you have been a victim of such a scam then please do not hesitate to make a report.”

You can pass on information by visiting https://www.leics.police.uk/ro/report/fo/v2/report-fraud-bribery-corruption/ or calling 101 and quoting master reference 24*544624.

You can also make a report to Action Fraud by visiting https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/