Syndicates using hi-tech skimming devices are taking advantage of the busy festive season and have recruited employees at various shopping outlets to assist them, police said yesterday.

Syndicates using hi-tech skimming devices are taking advantage of the busy festive season and have recruited employees at various shopping outlets to assist them, police said yesterday.

During the last eight months, syndicates have upgraded their equipment, allowing them to swipe a card and later download all the card's information - thus they can duplicate the card, said police spokesman Superintendent Sibongile Soci.

"Syndicates have also managed to recruit operational members from various outlets, including cashiers and clerks. These recruits are given the skimming device and they swipe the cards of unsuspecting customers," said Soci.

Debit and credit cards can be duplicated, meaning that the skimming victim will only know that there is something wrong once they receive their statement.

Police warned that consumers need to be aware of what happens during a transaction - and should constantly be aware of where their card is while a cashier processes a payment.

"Consumers should report any incidents to their bank and the police immediately," said Soci. - Sapa