Small business owners in Leicestershire urged to remain vigilant following reports of 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."

Leicestershire Police are warning small businesses in the county to be careful following several reports of a refund scam.

The force’s Economic Crime Unit (ECU) is aware of several reports across Leicestershire in recent months.

They include hotels in the North West Leicestershire and 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.

Officers believe there may be more victims who have not come forward.

Leicestershire Poice said: "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.