Receipts at point of sale

Security at the point of sale is not only about a possible “till snatch” but also involves the more subtle crime of fraud. This includes:

  • Passing forged or stolen bank notes.
  • Using a forged or stolen cheque.
  • Using a counterfeit credit/debit card.

It is a criminal offence to knowingly hold or pass on forged bank notes and obviously you want to avoid taking notes that your bank will not credit to your account.

Bank of England notes can be checked quickly by following certain security features. These are set out in the Bank’s Fact Sheet entitled “Bank Notes”.

Stained notes should be treated as mutilated/damaged notes and should not be accepted. They could well have been stolen.

Further information about avoiding bank note crimes can be obtained from Banknote Watch on 020 7230 3729 or by visiting their website www.banknotewatch.org

Cheque guarantee cards were withdrawn on 30 June 2011 following closure of the scheme. Of course, retailers can still accept payments by cheque but without the guarantee afforded by the cards. More information is available at www.paymentscouncil.org.uk
 
The Payments Council had been planning to scrap cheques altogether by 2018 but following widespread criticism this is no longer the intention. Cheques will be retained "as long as customers need them

Counterfeit credit/debit cards create a huge problem in the UK and Chip and PIN at point-of-sale was introduced to fight it. Alongside the technology it is acknowledged that retail staff play a vital role in this fight as their vigilance in spotting and stopping counterfeit card fraud is essential.

Copies of anti-fraud training literature in order to identify card fraud situations can be obtained from:

Card Watch c/o APACS, Mercury House, Triton Court, 14 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1LQ. Tel: 020 7711 6356. www.cardwatch.org.uk

 

  

 

All PBS information sheets are designed to provide the detail you need to implement best business and employment practices. They are not a detailed commentary on the current law and where advice is needed in a specific case you should contact PBS for expert consultation.

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