Card skimming is on the increase at a rather alarming rate this week. BAC has learnt that SAPS is closing in on these syndicates and groups involved in skimming. It also appears as if there is a marked increase in crimes during card-not-present transactions. It is deemed incumbent on the all users of credit cards, and especially businesses that demand credit card details to be provided telephonically to heed the seriousness of there crimes and the risk towards their clients.

 BAC would like to appeal to members of the Media to assist BAC with highlighting this peak in criminal activity to both the restaurant and tourism sectors, and to members of the public.

From information received it is clear that several waiters at a number of restaurants across the Peninsula have been arrested during the past two weeks.

 In one instance a waiter was arrested a mere four hours after he skimmed a card. In another instance, the manager of a well-known coffee shop chain was arrested in the Waterfront. 

It furthermore was reported that skimming waiters are paid R200 per skimmed transaction.

BACWC again appeals to the owners and managers of restaurants, to please pay more attention to the integrity management of their staff, to properly vet new appointees, to ensure that their work permits are legitimate and to contact the SAPS should any behaviour be suspect.  This is a criminal activity dependent on human behaviour and it is the direct responsibility of each owner and/or manager of a restaurant, guest house, hotel, retail outlet to ensure that staff is monitored. It serves absolutely no purpose to fire the staff member who has criminal intent as the problem is only circulated within the relevant industry.

BACWC will be entering into discussions with the Commercial Crime Unit of the SAPS and Fedhasa  with a view to determine what, in addition to awareness programmes amongst players in the hospitality industry can be done to highlight the seriousness of credit card crimes. BACWC appeals to restaurateurs to ensure that hand-held facilities are being available and that patrons be asked never to let their cards out of their sight. Protection of any identity information of clients has to be one of risks to be managed by business.