An apparatus and method for reducing vandalism and minimizing damage from liquids injected into apertures of a vending machine is described. An anti-salting module (1), having a housing with an integral tray (2) for collecting liquids, is connected beneath a bill validator (100) in a vending machine. A rubber fillet (5) is connected to the rear of the bill validator and directs injected fluids to the tray. A moisture sensor (4) integral to the tray is connected to detection and control circuitry. When moisture is detected, the detection and control circuitry operates to interrupt power and control signals to the bill validator. After moisture has been detected, vending machine power and control signals can be restored only when moisture is no longer present, and a set switch (84) is depressed by service personnel.