Credit card companies that are responsible for monitoring cardholders’ transactions and data for fraud have defined that 40 percent of credit card theft takes place at dining locations which is more than at any other places.

So why is restaurant industry so vulnerable? First, it is one of the last remaining places where you give your plastic to an individual who leaves your site to make the payment. What is happening from the moment the credit card leaves your hand till the moment it’s returned back to you? There is no difference what credit card you have - a consumer credit card or a business credit card..

Everybody knows the situations when customers’ credit card data were stolen. Moreover, it was sold to ID thieves or credit card fraudsters.

Small, inexpensive card readers nicknamed "Skimmers" or “wedges" (small and inexpensive card readers) allow servers to steal or resell credit card data. “Skimmers" have become popular among thieves because of their low cost and small size. So there is no wonder that a number of consumers demand more security and paying options.

In order to sort out this problem credit payment system officials have developed a special handheld device. It has become popular and has gained acceptance and popularity mostly in Europe.

A pay-at-the-table system operates well-established and wireless technology that is used by a good number of businesses all over the world. The system is placed at the customer's table, where he or she remains holding onto the card during the payment process. It includes encryption features and security that allow information to remain private, even as it travels over the network of restaurants.

The credit card scanners, or pay-at-the-table systems, have already reduced the incidents of credit card frauds and ID theft in Europe and other parts of the world. Unfortunately they haven't yet caught on in the United States, mainly because equipment makers haven't been able to prove the idea why restaurateurs should invest in it.

The pay-at-the-table system implementation is expected to decide this question and give customers a peace of mind. They won't have to give their plastic to a waiter and wait until the transaction is processed. They will have an opportunity to control, observe the transaction process and eliminate the possibility of their card being skimmed. They will protect themselves from ID theft.

Improving customer service is the main goal of successful restaurants. Unfortunately restaurants have always had not very good security systems for credit card payment transactions.

Just imagine when you are next time at a restauirant a waiter brings a handheld pay-at –the-table device to you. You will get an opportunity to do all the necessary credit card operations right at the table. So your card will never leave your sight. It will save your time, the time of a restaurant waiter and secure your credit card data. Do you find it increadible?