The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Prevent thieves cashing in
Police: Mock ATM demonstrations will help public spot skimming devices
Police officers are bringing their own cash machine to Inverness this week to show the public how to spot skimming devices.
The force’s Preventions and Interventions unit are carrying out practical demonstrations with their mock ATM , outlining the “tricks of the trade” people should be looking out for.
Skimming devices allow criminals to read card
“Therearesome criminalswhowill try to exploit any complacency”
details without the holder’s knowledge.
During a demonstration at Inverness Retail Park yesterday, Constable Keri Jones said techniques used by scammers are becoming “more advanced”.
H e s a i d : “P e o p l e should look for anything suspicious on the machines and always remember when they are putting their number in to cover the keyboard in case there are any cameras on the machine.
“We have had a few incidents in the Highlands of this type of fraud last year in Aviemore, Inverness, card Dingwall and Caithness – so it does happen.
“Again it is happening all over the country, all over the world so it’s about raising awareness, not only if you use a cash machine in this country or in the Highlands but on holiday.”
The demonstration is part of a month-long awareness campaign across the Highlands, with events taking place in the Eastgate Centre, Tesco Inshes and Inverness College UHI in the coming days.
This will be followed by various events held at supermarkets across the north in Aviemore, Nairn, Wick, Thurso, Tain and Skye during the final week of May.
Constable Alan MacLennan spoke about how important it is that the public spot the signs and how to identify the devices.
He added: “We don’t want to worry people unnecessarily about the use of cash machines but the public should be alert to this type of activity.
“Using an ATM is a routine act for many of us but there are some criminals who will try to exploit any complacency in order to try to steal personal details.
“We will be demonstrating how to check for any unusual attachments and what to do if you find something out of place.
“If in doubt do not enter your card or enter your PIN number but instead report it to the authorities.”