Stopping Scotland’s Scammers show highlights how to avoid cash machine cons
BEWARE Black Friday, a time when we are all looking for a fantastic bargain – and scammers are looking for an opportunity to part us from our cash.
We are all at risk from scammers and the spending bonanza around Black Friday makes shoppers even more vulnerable.
Consumers across the UK are predicted to spend about £2.5billion pounds on Black Friday, meaning far higher numbers of people using cash machines right before they hit the shops.
But using our credit and debit cards more creates an opportunity for the scammers, and ATM fraud has become big business for criminals.
Now STV’s Stopping Scotland’s Scammers wants to show you how to stay one step ahead, to spot the warning signs and know when things are not what they seem.
Hosted by Jackie Brambles, the STV show is supported by Royal Bank of Scotland and exposes the human consequences of scamming.
This week, the show features PC Fraser Laird, a crime prevention officer in Fife, who reveals the risk behind ATM machines.
Organised crime gangs now frequently target ATM machines, using “skimming” devices and a pinhole camera to steal the details from your bank cards.
These devices are well made and can be difficult to detect.
“The tiny cameras are almost impossible to spot,” says PC Laird. “But have a look at the slot where your card goes into the machine. If that’s clear, you should still cover your pin with the other hand low down to shield it.”
If a scammer gets your 16 digit card number and the pin, they can spend online or sell your data overseas.
But if your card gets stuck inside machine, cancel it immediately, adds PC Laird.
“The machine might have a malfunction, or it could be a card-trapping device.
“You can always get another card but you might not get your money back.
“And if you see something unusual near a machine, get yourself away from there and somewhere safe.”
He adds: “Do not take the devices off the machine. If you do, the chances are someone will come out of a car and take the devices off you. You are also putting your fingerprints all over the device, ruining any chance of forensic evidence.
“Phone the police and let us deal with it.”