ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando police say they busted three men who were running a credit card skimming operation.
In October, chip-enabled credit cards were issued nationwide to stop such activities, but few local retailers have adopted the technology to accept the cards.
Target was among the first of major retailers to accept the new chip-enabled cards, but many local stores and restaurants still work off the old system, which could be risky for customers.
"Businesses are really trying to rush to market to make sure they have the proper readers to lessen their liability,” said Holly Salmons of the Better Business Bureau.
According to creditcards.com, only 44 percent of merchants are expected to have the chip card readers by the end of 2015.
Toah Chattrakoom, who owns U Roll Sushi in east Orange County, said his restaurant hasn’t yet adopted the new technology.
“I'm trying to find the best solution right now that would fit our budget, because eventually we have to do it anyway,” Chattrakoom said.
Supermarket chain Publix doesn’t have the system online yet, but the company said it’s in the process of updating hardware and software.
Melissa Dominguez, a cashier at Alex’s Cuban Café in Longwood, said the restaurant will update its software in the next week or two.
If a credit card holder’s information is stolen, the user won't have to pay for fraudulent purchases.
As of October, retailers must pay for fraudulent charges instead of banks.
WFTV
