Rewards offered to stop ATM fraudsters

EYE-WATERING rewards of up to £25,000 are being offered by the UK’s cash machine network in a bid to cut crimes against ATM machines.

In partnership with charity Crimestoppers, LINK are offering cash rewards for information leading to conviction over both physical attacks and scams involving devices such as card skimmers.

Graham Mott, senior LINK spokesman said: “We’re urging the public to come forward with any information that they may have about cash machine crime, for example card skimming or physical attacks on cash machines themselves.

“Even something that may sound insignificant could be part of a bigger picture and prove invaluable in convicting someone involved in cash machine crime.”

Rodger Holden, director of business development for Crimestoppers, said: “Card fraud and physical attacks on ATMs are of great importance to LINK and the impact they have on the local communities is something they very much care about.

“Crimestoppers, as an independent charity, has a responsibility to those communities to help keep them safe and ensure that those with information on ATM crime and card fraud have a voice, but can remain anonymous when speaking up.

“I’m pleased we’re able to continue our long standing relationship with LINK, and hope that together we can make local communities safer places to be.”

Crimes involving cash machines are on the rise whether through the use of fraudulent devices or brute force to smash open the devices to steal the cash inside.

Last year it is believed crooks attempted to use a gas canister to blow up an ATM in Burbage outside the Spar shop on Lutterworth Road.

The cylinder was spotted attached to the ATM and a cordon set up as police and the fire service made it safe.

In January 2015, raiders used a digger to pull an ATM machine from a wall at the Co-op in Ashby Road, Ibstock.

The cash machine and one of the vehicles used in the attack were later found burnt out.

Leicestershire Police warn residents on their website to take care when using cash machines and to keep their eyes peeled for devices which could be used to gain security information.

These include skimmers to read a card’s details and small cameras fitted to record somebody’s PIN number as it is entered onto the ATM keypad.

Around 100,000 people a year fall victim to fraud related to skimmed or cloned debit and credit cards netting more than £47 million a year for thieves using cloned card details.

Customers are advices to tell their bank immediately if they become suspicious of an ATM machine or believe they have fallen victim to fraud.

Suspicions can also be reported to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.