Exhibition warns about cash machine criminals
Last updated | 01/09/2011
A special exhibition in Perth city centre next week will provide advice for anyone using cash machines on how they can avoid becoming a victim of card crime.
Cash machines or ATMs (automated teller machines) are widely targeted by organised criminals, who install equipment on legitimate bank cash machines, to steal both card numbers and PIN numbers.
This equipment is disguised to look like part of the standard ATM: a 'skimmer' device mounted to the front of the card slot to read the information on the card and a wireless camera which records the customer's PIN and can be disguised to look like a leaflet holder. The information they gather enables criminals to copy cards later and use the PIN numbers to withdraw cash from people's accounts in a short space of time, affecting both customers and banks.
Display to advise on preventing card crime
In response to this threat, a partnership between the Scottish Business Crime Centre, Perth Safer Cities Initiative, Tayside Police and St John’s Shopping Centre will be working next week to raise public awareness about cash point crime and highlight the ongoing joint working to prevent criminals from having the chance to commit this type of crime.
There will be a display in St John's Shopping Centre consisting of an ATM machine along with different types of skimming and recording devices, allowing members of the public to see how these devices are attached to ATM's. The aim of the exhibition is to provide a better understanding of this type of crime. Officers will be in attendance to offer advice on this issue.
The ATM display will run between 10am and 2pm daily from Monday 5th September 2011 to Friday 9th September 2011.
Joint approach to help people protect their money
Community Sergeant Steve Sangster said: "Tayside Police, in conjunction with our partner agencies, are looking to take all opportunities to disrupt organised criminals. This partnership approach demonstrates the clear commitment we have to raise public awareness of this particular type of crime and our determination to take all possible steps to prevent it."
Alan Dobie, Executive Director of the Scottish Business Crime Centre commented: “This is a wonderful initiative and gives the public the opportunity to get advice about the kinds of devices being attached to ATM’s. This will help to reduce the possibility of this type of crime occurring. I strongly recommend that people take the time to stop in next week at the display as it will provide good practical advice on how to assess any ATM threat and what to do should you find such a device attached.”
Chair of the Community Safety Partnership, Councillor Willie Robertson said: "This exhibition will be very useful for anyone who uses cash machines, and in addition there are some simple tips we can all follow to reduce the chances of falling victim to ATM crime:
- Check the card reader before inserting your card.
- Check for additions to the ATM that are not usual, such as a leaflet holder.
- Cover the PIN key pad as you enter your number by obscuring it with your free hand.
- Ensure you check your account balance regularly.
- Inform your bank immediately if your account shows any transactions you did not make.
- Contact the Police and service provider immediately should you discover a device attached to an ATM."
