Police Scotland has today issued a warning over the rising use of ATM “skimming machines” which are being used to dupe the public out of their bank cards and details.
The Lanarkshire division of the force has now announced two awareness events for people who want to learn how to tell the difference between the device and a genuine cash point.
Skimming devices are used to read bank cards and obtain customer details.
They can also contain small cameras which film a person using a cash machine and may record PIN numbers as they are entered.
Held by RBS, in partnership with SLC Trading Standards and Lanarkshire Police, the drop-in sessions are as follows:
- Monday, September 4 from 10am to 1pm at RBS, Burnside branch, Stonelaw Road Rutherglen.
- Thursday, September 7 from 10am to 1pm at RBS, Rutherglen branch, Main Street.
Shown below are some further examples of ATM skimming devices:
(Credit: Police Scotland)
Police Scotland has been warning the public over the machines since the beginning of last year and issued the following warning signs of how to spot a card-trapping device:
SIGNS OF TAMPERING - If there are any parts of the ATM that look loose or anything out of the ordinary on the card reader or keyboard, don’t use it. Anything that resembles a leaflet holder could be a card skimming device and anything lying on the ATM or around the frame may contain a hidden camera. The keypad may also be artificial, placed over the genuine keypad logging the buttons you press when entering your pin.
HAVE A JIGGLE - Signs of any suspicious device may not be obvious at first sight but something may not feel right. If the card reader card reader moves around when you try to jiggle it with your hand, something probably isn’t right.
STRANGER DANGER - Never rely on a stranger to help retrieve a confiscated card - if your card is retained by the machine, contact your bank immediately.
SHIELD YOUR PIN - Shielding your pin with your hand will prevent any hidden cameras picking this up. Further, be aware of your surroundings at all times - is someone standing behind you watching you as you use the ATM? If you’re not comfortable, stop the transaction. Don’t let anyone who may be nearby see you entering your PIN. It’s also important to remember your PIN - it’s not advisable to write it down.
STASH THE CASH DISCREETLY - Discreetly put your money and card away before leaving the cash machine.
CHOOSE YOUR MACHINE WISELY - ATMs in dimly-lit spots or used late at night could be more susceptible to fraud, while ATMs under CCTV may be safer.
KEEP IN CHECK WITH YOUR ADMIN - Check your account balance regularly and inform your bank immediately if your account shows any transactions you did not make.
BE EXTRA VIGILANT AT WEEKENDS - Take extra care out of business hours and on Saturdays and Sundays.
If your card is retained by a cash machine, contact your card issuer immediately. If you spot a suspicious device or wish to report any suspicious activity, contact Police Scotland on 101, or if you believe a fraudulent crime is in progress and suspect/s are nearby, please call 999.
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