South Wales Police are reminding members of the public to remain vigilant whenever they use cash machines to access their bank accounts after a cloning device was found on a supermarket ATM in Penarth.
The device, which was discovered on Friday 25th March attached to an ATM at Tesco, Penarth Marina, consisted of a small camera which recorded pin numbers and adhesive strips that retained the card once it was fitted into the slot.
It has been recovered by officers for forensic examination.
Safer Vale Crime Reduction Tactical Advisor PC Dick Collins has visited all banks, building societies and supermarkets in the area to advise them of the incident and to issue appropriate advice.
Commenting on the discovery, PC Collins said: “These untoward methods can cause a great deal of worry and distress, so we would ask the public to please inform family, friends, and neighbours regarding this incident and to remain vigilant when using any cash machine. If you notice anything suspicious please report it to your bank and to the police immediately.”
Penarth Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Chris Owen said: “If you know who is responsible for this or have any information at all, please call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
Ten Top Security Tips for ATM Users:
- Use ATMs where you feel the most comfortable
- Avoid using the ATM if there are any suspicious-looking individuals around
- Have your card ready in your hand before you approach the ATM
- Do not use the ATM if you notice anything unusual indicating it may have been altered
- Be especially cautious when strangers offer to help you at an ATM, even if you are experiencing difficulty with the transaction, never allowing anyone to distract you while you are at the ATM
- Do not let anyone see you enter your PIN; you should shield the keypad with your hand when entering your PIN
- Never disclose your PIN to anybody, not even to the bank or police
- If you feel the ATM is not working normally, press the Cancel key, withdraw your card and then proceed to another ATM
- If your card gets jammed, retained or lost, or if you are interfered with at an ATM, report this immediately to the bank and/or police using the helpline provided or nearest phone
- Do not be in a hurry during the transaction; carefully secure your card and cash in your wallet, handbag or pocket before leaving the ATM.
