EFTPOS shysters rip off thousands

SMALL business owners on the Coast say they have been ripped off thousands of dollars by a new EFTPOS scam.

Thieves struck a number of eateries in Southport at the weekend, leaving one out of pocket by almost $5000.

The businesses said they were ripped off after handing over EFTPOS machines to customers for payment. While the customer had the machine they changed the amount of the purchase by adding several zeroes. They then used a stolen credit card to make the payment.

The scammers then told staff they had been billed the wrong price and requested a refund, either in cash or on to a different card.

Police said it was an unusal scam and that they were investigating.

Caffe Republic manager Peter Dufty said his staff had refunded the money to another card produced by two men after the $25 they owed had been raised to $2500.

“I wasn’t there, but I was contacted by my staff about two men looking for a refund and they were scene,” he said.

“The staff thought they had put extra zeros on to the price by mistake.

“Alarm bells went off – but it was a busy Saturday morning and we always try to do what is best for the customer.

“Generally, people pay by PayPass so they have no need to touch the machine.

“According to the bank the money was withdrawn straight away so we couldn’t get any back and the original card was stolen so the money has been returned, leaving us $5000 out of pocket. causing a

“That amount of money is a week’s work, but it sounds like we are not the first.”

Crazy Fish Sushi was also hit by the scam artists.

This time the pair allegedly requested the refund be made in cash.

“They had upped a $19 meal to $190, then they wanted the refund,” manager Cathy Burraston said.

“So our staff member returned the money in cash and apologised.”

The pair returned later and allegedly tried to exchange fake $50 notes, accusing the sushi shop of giving them the counterfeit cash.

“We had been alerted by the staff at nearby Chevron Tavern that they had fake $50s,” Ms Burraston said.

It’s believed staff at the tavern as well as the sushi outlet contacted police.

Southport CBD Senior Sergeant Laurie Shevlin encouraged anyone with information to contact CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000 – and warned staff to be vigilant.

“Staff should maintain control of EFTPOS devices and be aware when someone grabs it,” he said.