The consumer has been warned about hiding their actions as they enter their PIN and to check bank statements regularly for transactions that are not their own.
But can Merchants help prevent thieves from stealing banking information from their customers? In short yes they can. Halo Metrics Inc., working with merchants across
1. Understand how PIN Pad theft happens. Thieves tamper with Pin pad terminals to download banking information at another time. After a significant amount of data has been collected, they return, steal the unit again, and download the stolen data to their computers. From this information, they create counterfeit debit cards. More sophisticated thieves can download the data wirelessly, avoiding the necessity of a return trip for the equipment. Using covert cameras placed throughout the store, thieves can retrieve PIN numbers. Sometimes, they are close enough to watch as customers enter their information. 2. Identify your risk level? All businesses are susceptible. To assess your risk level, go to www.halometrics.com/pinpad and answer the 29 multiple choice questions. The results indicate if your business is a low, medium, or high risk for a PIN Pad theft attack. Sample questions include: a. Are you a 24 hour operation? b. Are you isolated from other businesses? c. Is your staff seasonal? d. Does your business have seasonal peaks? 3. Be proactive. Write down the model and serial numbers along with any identify marks such as location of labels on each terminal. Place your own company tamper proof labels over screws and removable panels on the back of the terminal. Check the terminals daily. Also: - Your staff can become targets of criminal pressure to help with PIN Pad thefts. Give your staff a communication channel to report any criminal pressures to commit this type of crime. - Do background checks (criminal check if possible) on new employees. Be wary of new hires who only want to work the late shift and when less staff is scheduled. - Security cameras focused on general area - not on customers entering PIN information. - Use security posts to bolt the terminal to the counter - can be combined with an alarm.
Shoppers need to know merchants are doing their best to protect their banking information.
Visit www.halometrics.com/pinpad to learn more about PIN Pad theft prevention best practices and receive a free PIN Pad Theft Prevention Tool Kit.
For further information: For further information: IMAGE Available (Tampered PIN Pad Model recovered by Police). Contact [email protected] for image.
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