Surfers Paradise Police tackling fraud offences

After the success of an initiative of the Pacific Fair Police Beat, Surfers Paradise Police are working with local shop keepers to help prevent the fraudulent use of tap-and-go cards.

Originally introduced by the Mackay District Crime Prevention Office, Police are asking shop owners and their staff to have customers produce identification to verify purchases. There has been an increase in the fraudulent use of cards since the tap-and-go technology commenced, and Surfers Paradise Police are hoping the request to verify identification will deter offenders from attempting the fraudulent use.

Police and Volunteers in Policing have commenced attending businesses in the Surfers Paradise area and are issuing all store holders laminated cards to display beside registers advising customers that they may be asked for personal identification.

VIP Julie is seen here with Pieta Dickson from TYPO Surfers Paradise and Mike Hill from Awesome Jewellers who are on board with the project and will be asking for their customers support. It’s a small request that can make a big difference in reducing fraud.

Many business owners are not aware that they have the right to ask a customer who chooses to make a payment within their store using the payWave method for identification. This is a way that stores can protect themselves from income loss.

To assist with credit card fraud offences, be alert for customers who: