Should I Worry About Bill Stringing?

[fhamann]

I have a very busy location that is outside in a school yard.  There are two machines, a snack and soda each in a cage.  These machines have experienced periodic unsuccessful attacks by thieves of various kinds. Fortunately the damages have been minor.  Lately, I have noticed dollar bills with scotch tape on the edges, apparent attempts to steal from the machine.  Do these types of attacks work?  In other words, is this person getting credit and pulling back his bill, or is he probably being unsuccessful.  I have not noticed a loss of income.  I have no way of knowing if some of his attempts have worked.

[lacanteen]

It's an old hack which will only be successful if you have old bill acceptors in your machines. MEI 2500 series updated for 2008 currency (look for a sticker that says '2008 currency') are the safest as well as MEI 2700 series, and Conlux CV series. 

[allen watson]

I get them once in a while usually in the form of half the bill. The Coinco’s have plastic teeth that seem to rip the bill in half when pulled back. 

[AZVendor]

That only worked on older metal bill acceptors.  As long as you have current technology acceptors from Coinco or MEI you'll be fine.  

[AngryChris]

It can jam your validator up, which requires you to drive to the location just to spend 10 seconds to fix.  Very inconvenient for you and customers get upset because it won't take bills until you fix it.