The regional police have issued new advice for users of automatic cash machines as gangs of criminals deploy new tactics to defraud and rob bank customers.
This “new method” employed by thieves in the region consists of placing a mechanism in the slot for cash withdrawals. In this way when the user carries out a transaction the cash appears not to be issued and yet the machine does not register or warn the customer of an error.
Often the user believes there has been a technical error or fault and abandons the machine. However, the money has been issued correctly but has been caught in the mechanism applied by the thieves who collect it after the customer has left.
Another ploy of the thieves is to offer assistance to a user experiencing problems and advise them to repeat the operation. The mechanism then steals the card and the thieves watch and memorize the security code. They are then able to take money out of the account at will.
If you are using automatic cash machines the regional police make the following recommendations:
Avoid using cash machines which are in isolated situations or badly lit.
Preferably use cash machines inside bank premises.
Always cover the keyboard with one hand when you enter your security code.
Do not abandon the cash machine if you have a problem but call a member of the bank staff or ring helpline number on card.
Maintain a vigorous and exhaustive control of the movements on your account especially during the days following a transaction at the cash machine and especially if you have experienced problems.
Ensure you do not carry out transactions at a cash machine in the company of strangers
The regional police warn that automatic cash machines have become a very attractive objective for thieves who can secure large quantities of cash in a short time and who, even if they are caught, face little legal retribution.
