By Jenny Barwise

Last updated at 10:49, Saturday, 19 March 2011

Police are urging people to be vigilant after a skimming device was found at a Cumbrian cash machine.

Thieves placed the device at the cash machine outside of the HSBC bank on Pow Street in Workington.

It consisted of a false panel, which looked like a legitimate slot was fixed onto the cash machine, which would be used to fraudulently obtain credit and debit card numbers.

When the card passes through the false slot, the details are then saved onto a memory card in the device.

A video device was found above the key pad, which would have been used to record pin numbers as they are tapped into the machine.

Both devices have now been recovered by police, after a member of the public raised the alarm on Wednesday, and are being examined by the forensic department.

Detective Constable Nicola Ivison said that as both of the devices were intact when they were recovered from the cash machine, officers are confident that the offenders have not obtained users’ bank details.

“However, I’d like to urge users to be vigilant when checking their account and appeal to anyone who uses cash machines to always look for any suspicious attachments or devices on the machine,” added DC Ivison.

“Ensure that you shield your pin number and where possible, withdraw cash from machines that are situated within a bank or building society.

“Offences of this nature are highly organised and can cause a lot of distress and misery for many innocent victims. A full investigation into the incident has begun and we are appealing for anyone who noticed any suspicious activity to contact the police.”

A spokesman for the bank said their cash machines are checked regularly and customers are offered protection against fraud. They have advised that anyone that has any concerns of unauthorised activity on their accounts should contact their own bank.

Police have now issued the following advice on how to use cash machines safely:

• Shield the keypad from prying eyes or hidden cameras with your free hand while you type in your PIN
• Where possible use cash from machines that are situation within a bank or building society
• Check your immediate surroundings to ensure there’s no-one lurking suspiciously near you – if they are, then use a different machine
• If you’re listening to headphones, turn them down or take them off – you may need to be aware of the world around you
• Never allow yourself to be distracted – for example if someone tells you that you’ve dropped something
• If you suspect there’s something unusual about the machine, or any sign that it might have been doctored, then don’t use it
• If you pay for purchases by card, make sure you check your bank statements and credit card accounts regularly so you can spot any unusual activity quickly

Anyone with information should contact DC Ivison on 0845 3300247 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

First published at 08:59, Saturday, 19 March 2011
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk