Recent Point of Sale (POS) security breaches perpetrated by a geographically dispersed, complex crime ring are forcing retailers to take a closer look at POS security. Using social engineering, sophisticated programming, and a high level of organization, the group targeted several Dave & Buster's locations. After hacking into the network, the group installed spyware in several of the chain's POS systems which relayed credit card and ATM information used to defraud several banks and on-line retailers.
Similar cases have been reported by TJ Maxx, Sam's Club, OfficeMax, and shoe retailer DSW. The problem is not limited to American retailers; according to a Newbury-based market researcher, UK retailers have also seen a dramatic increase in credit card fraud. The concern is that criminals are becoming more organized, sophisticated, and specialized. In the Dave & Buster's fraud case, at least eleven criminals were involved in separate fraud related duties.