Australian Taxi Driver Accused Of Using Credit Card Copier

Credit card fraud is closer to home than many of us hope it to be. A Sydney cab driver was accused of possession of a credit card copier and defrauding the Rice Marketing Board chairman. Wail Al-Najjar was caught in the unlawful act back in May and suspended from his taxi license as part of the process.

After charges had been filed against Mr Al-Najjar he tried to reclaim his cab license but unsuccessfully so. His argument was that the allegations against him had not been tested in court, therefore rendering him not guilty.

But the credit card fraud committed on the Sydney businessman was not the only allegations Mr Al-Najjar has to deal with. Apparently he also overcharged three people, by $100 in two of the cases and $20 in the third. He did this by altering the fare section of credit card dockets.

Robin Handley, deputy president of the Administrative Decisions Tribunal (ADT), said: “Mr Al-Najjar stated that he has been charged on two counts of make or possess implements for making false instruments.”

“The police (allegedly) found a machine in his taxi for copying credit cards. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges and strenuously denies the allegations made against him. He has no idea whether his taxi was involved.”

“Similarly, in relation to the charge of common assault arising out of an incident on 16 February 2009, he strenuously denies the allegations against him and has pleaded not guilty. (He said) the airport security officer started the argument by being rude to him.”

Mr Al-Najjar denied ever picking up the chairman of the Rice Marketing Board at a tribunal. He also denied altering the credit card charges in any way. The taxi driver first started driving taxis in 2006 and in total 17 complaints had been made against him during his service. Ten of these were “justified” as found out upon investigations.

Complaints included versions of credit card fraud by Mr Al-Najjar such as altering credit card documents plus reckless driving and refusal of fares. Mr Al-Najjar denied all accusations. According to him he drives cabs to support his $700/month mortgage and young family.

Source: News.com.au

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