The Business Crime Direct Team would like to draw your attention to a scam recently uncovered which may be useful to our members.

This is a key catcher that was discovered attached to a computer terminal in the Business Centre of a 5-star central London hotel. But the facts are just as relevant to all businesses, particularly if there are credit card transactions.

The key catcher was connected to the rear of a computer in order to capture any data that passes from the keyboard.

The common use for such items is the capture of credit card data, or other personal data that can be used in fraud.

Over the past two months other hotels have recovered similar devices from their reception areas. The devices had been connected at the point of sale equipment.

Our advice is for hotel management to make regular inspections of their computers to ensure that no similar devices have been installed.

Should a device of this sort be located then please contact the Police.

We would further ask that once discovered, the terminal is left untouched until the Police can assess the potential for the recovery of forensic evidence.

Any CCTV of incidents involving such items should be saved and downloaded where necessary.

Any information to:

Tony Jopson or Constable Sheila Morrisson
Tel: 0151 224 1859 or 07900 915877
tony.jopson@liverpoolchamber.org.uk
www.businesscrimedirect.co.uk