Skimming is the unauthorized capture and transfer of payment data to another source, for fraudulent purposes. Skimmers modify Eftpos terminals or cash machines so they can acquire a customer’s card details and pin number, then use the information to withdraw money from their accounts.

Police estimate that A$50 million ($45 million) has been stolen by skimmers in Australia in the last 12 months, the Sydney Morning Herald reported Jan. 20.

Best practices and security guidelines for the prevention of skimming are based on successfully established countermeasures as identified by the merchant community and known criminal activity as observed and investigated by the payment industry and law enforcement. Make sure you train your staff in what to look for to see if your eftpos terminal has been tampered with. Regularly check your terminal and note the following:

- Make sure that none of the stickers or serial numbers have been removed or tampered with.
- Check the terminal connections/cables to see they have not been switched
- Be aware of additional, unfamiliar electronic equipment connected to the terminal, the cash register, or the network connections.
- Be cautious of unannounced service visits that ask you provide access to your terminal

If you suspect your terminal has been tampered with, do not process any transactions and contact your eftpos provider immediately. Viaduct can be contacted on 0800 484 238, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.