Bank customers across Leicestershire are being asked to stay vigilant following reports of criminals targeting cash machines. Police said thieves had been using special devices to trap ATM customers' cards, before returning later to steal them.
Leicestershire Police has revealed that two incidents involved a single cash machine at the NatWest Bank in Market Street, in Ashby. Officers said offenders had placed a device over the card slot which prevented the card from being ejected during the transaction.
The criminals later remove the template and withdraw from it the card, which is then used to withdraw money or make other purchases, according to police. The Ashby beat team has issued the warning.
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In a warning to bank customers, officers said: "Please check the fascia of any cash point that you use to confirm that it has not been tampered with prior to using it."
They added: "Also watch out for so-called 'shoulder surfers' that may be in close proximity to you when using ATMs. These people try and see your pin number for future unlawful transactions."
How to spot ATM fraud
According to NatWest's website, criminals use different technology to steal your cards and information. Here are the most common tricks.
Skimming: An ATM could be fitted with a device inside the card slot that steals your bank details. There may also be a hidden camera near the PIN pad to try and capture your PIN number. Fraudsters will then use those details to make transactions from your account.
Card trapping: Fraudsters can fit a device inside the ATM card slot to trap your bank card. Once you have left the machine, they can remove the device and steal your card.
Distractions: Criminals can distract you to steal your cash or card when you look away. Sometimes they replace your card with a similar one, so that you don’t notice.
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