PDQ Card Payment Machine Scam

⚠️ Business Scam Alert – Gwynedd South ⚠️

We’ve received reports from businesses in the Gwynedd South area about scams involving PDQ card payment machines.

Offenders are targeting hospitality venues, posing as customers wishing to make purchases. When presented with the card machine, they distract staff and interfere with the transaction process, resulting in fraudulent payments and financial loss.

Investigations are ongoing to identify those responsible.

We’re sharing this to raise awareness, help prevent further incidents, and encourage reporting. Please share this advice with your teams:

🔒 Keep PDQ machines out of reach when not in use – ideally locked away in a secure area.
🙅‍♂️ Do not hand the device to customers – keep it on the counter and in full view.
🖥️ Link the PDQ machine to your business computer system for added security.
🔐 Set up staff-only PINs for access to sensitive functions.
👀 Ensure staff check transaction amounts before confirming payments.
📹 Maintain up-to-date CCTV systems to assist with identifying offenders.

If you’ve experienced a similar incident, please report it online or via 101, quoting reference number 25000825484.