City police are warning people to be on their guard when using bank machines, after a woman had her card stolen at an ATM in Gracemount. The incident happened around 8.30am on Monday at the Bank of Scotland ATM outside Scotmid in Gracemount Drive.
The cardholder had gone to the machine with the intention of drawing cash, however the machine held her card. At this point she noticed the machine had a silver device placed over it, and went into the shop where she reported the incident to staff. However, when she returned outside the device had been removed, along with her card.
CCTV enquiries have established that two men removed the device and the card while the victim was inside, and used the card a short time later at the nearby Tesco supermarket, where they withdrew £80.
They are both described as white, and in their late 20s. The first suspect is described as having a slim build, thin face, and pointed chin. He was wearing a navy blue baseball cap, navy blue hooded top, and a body warmer. The second man is described as having a muscular build, broad shoulders, black hair and sideburns. He was wearing a grey hooded Adidas top with ‘Y3’ in white lettering on the back, and blue jeans.
A Lothian and Borders Police spokesman said: “We are appealing to anyone noticed the two suspects in the vicinity of either Scotmid or Tesco in Gracemount Drive yesterday morning to contact police. Likewise, anyone who recognises their descriptions, or who has any other information that can assist our inquiries, should also get in touch.
“At this time we are advising people to be on their guard when using ATMs, and if there is anything unusual about the machine or there are signs of tampering, do not use it and report it to the bank as soon as possible.
“We would also advise people to stand close to the cash machine and always use your free hand to shield the keypad to prevent any prying eyes or hidden cameras seeing your pin.”
Anyone with information should contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131, or Crimestoppers in confidence and complete anonymity on 0800 555 111.
CASH MACHINE ADVICE
Cash machines are usually a safe way of withdrawing cash. However, they can be targeted by criminals who want your money. Following the common sense advice will reduce your chances of becoming a victim of this type of fraud.
CHOOSING A CASH MACHINE
- Be alert and put your personal safety first.
- If there is anything unusual about the cash machine, or there are signs of tampering, do not use it and report it to the bank as soon as possible.
USING A CASH MACHINE
- If someone is behaving suspiciously or watching you, cancel the transaction and go to another machine.
- Don’t get distracted. Be particularly cautious if well-meaning strangers try to distract you or offer to help you.
- Shield your PIN. Stand close to the cash machine and always use your free hand to shield the keypad to prevent any prying eyes or hidden cameras seeing your PIN.
LEAVING A CASH MACHINE
- On completing a transaction, discreetly put your money and card away before leaving the cash machine.
- Report incidents quickly. Make sure you store your bank’s phone number in your mobile. If your card is swallowed by the cash machine or your money is not given out, report the incident to your bank immediately, ideally using your mobile phone while you are still by the machine.
- Destroy (or preferably shred) your cash machine receipts, mini-statements or balance enquiries when you get rid of them.
www.financialfraudaction.org.uk