Reports show criminals are finding innovative ways to commit scams, often in broad daylight.

An increasingly common type of fraud that has recently been reported involves scammers distracting shop staff, whilst an accomplice seizes the card machine and authorises a refund to their own bank cards before returning the machine to the shop counter.

It is only later that businesses are realising that they’ve fallen victim to this crime.

This particular form of crime is reportedly becoming more common across the UK.

Unfortunately card machine companies are not liable and these scams cause crippling damage to small businesses’ profits.

Taking this into account, it’s vital that owners keep a close eye on any card machines – ensuring they are out of reach of the public. Another method merchants can employ to minimise the risk involved is to retain control of the machine during transactions.