Detectives in West Cumbria’s CID are appealing for witnesses and advising anyone that may have used the cash machine at HSBC Bank, Pow Street, Workington to be vigilant when checking their accounts for any suspicious activity after recovering a 'skimming device' from the machine.
On Wednesday 16th March, Police were alerted to the cash machine at HSBC, Pow Street after a member of the public using the machine raised the alarm to the bank.
The skimming device consisting of a false panel, looking exactly like a legitimate slot was fixed onto the cash machine to fraudulently obtain credit and debit card numbers. When the card passes through the false card slot, the card details are saved onto a Memory Card within the device. A second, well concealed video device is then often placed above the key pad on the cash machine which records pin numbers as they are tapped into the machine.
The skimming device was well concealed and not noticeable upon first inspection.
Both devices installed on the HSBC’s cash machine were recovered by police and are being examined by the Forensic department.
Detective Constable Nicola Ivison said: "Both devices from the cash machine were recovered and as both were intact, both the HSBC and the Police are confident that whoever was responsible for this crime have not obtained the users’ bank details of anyone using the cash machine.
"However, I'd like to urge users to be vigilant when checking their account and appeal to anyone who uses Cash Machines to always look for any suspicious attachments or devices on the machine. Ensure that you shield your pin number and where possible, withdraw cash from machines that are situated within a bank or building society.
"Offences of this nature are highly organised and can cause a lot of distress and misery for many innocent victims. A full investigation into the incident has begun and we are appealing for anyone who noticed any suspicious activity to contact the Police."
Police have issued the following advice to using cash machines safely:
- Shield the keypad from prying eyes or hidden cameras with your free hand while you type in your PIN.
- Where possible use cash from machines that are situation within a bank or building society.
- Check your immediate surroundings to ensure there's no-one lurking suspiciously near you - if they are, then use a different machine.
- If you're listening to headphones, turn them down or take them off - you may need to be aware of the world around you.
-Never allow yourself to be distracted - for example if someone tells you that you've "dropped something".
- If you suspect there's something unusual about the machine, or any sign that it might have been doctored, then don't use it.
- If you pay for purchases by card, make sure you check your bank statements and credit card accounts regularly so you can spot any unusual activity quickly.
A spokesman for the bank said their cash machines are checked regularly and customers are offered protection against fraud, they have advised that anyone that has any concerns of unauthorised activity on their accounts should make contact initially with their own bank.
The Police are appealing for anyone who noticed any suspicious activity at or around the HSBC Bank recently to contact DC Nicola Ivison on 0845 33 00 247 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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