Credit card theft accused driver remains suspended

Details of a SMS scam currently in operation where people have been sent threatening text messages with the aim of getting them to give up their credit card details have been unveiled.The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) reveals it has

A taxi driver accused of being in possession of a credit card copying device has failed to get his license back, it has been revealed.

Following a number of charges - including using a device to purposefully overcharge customers when paying by card - Sydney cabbie Wail Al-Najjar has been unsuccessful in his attempt to get the Administrative Decisions Tribunal (ADT) to overturn his suspension.

With his license to drive taxis removed in May, Mr Al-Najjar has faced allegations that in altering the total fare section of credit card dockets he has overcharged three customers, twice by $100 and once by $20, News.com.au reports.

Police allegedly found a device capable of copying credit cards in the driver's vehicle.

However, Robin Handley, deputy president of the ADT, points out that "he has pleaded not guilty to the charges and strenuously denies the allegations made against him", as Mr Al-Najjar claim he has no idea whether his vehicle has been involved with such activities.

Mr Handley adds that the suspension against the driver will be upheld until he is tried in a court of law.

Speaking to the Age earlier this month, Detective Sergeant Jim Macdonald, of Melbourne police's crime scene desk, reported there has been an increase in the number of taxi drivers defrauding passengers over recent months, advising passengers to be on their guard when handing over their credit card.

Written by Emma North