Police warn of cash card scam (From Barry And District News)

Police warn of cash card scam

BARRY could be the next town to be targeted by cash card cloning gangs who have stolen thousands of pounds from the bank accounts of South Wales residents recently.

Vale of Glamorgan police issued warnings after banks in Cowbridge were believed to have been hit by criminals using high-tech cloning equipment. The devices were discovered for the first time in Wales last month.

Evidence of glue and criminal damage was found at both the HSBC and NatWest banks in the market town. Detectives believe criminals were attempting to stick so-called 'skimming' devices into the card slot of an ATM.

These devices scan cards and record account information so that a clone of the card can be made.

A woman in Barry was left penniless earlier this month after £1,640 was withdrawn from her account over several days.

Superintendent Josh Jones said: "These devices have been engineered to clone credit and debit cards by scanning details.

"We are asking the public to remain vigilant and to report anything that may look suspicious when approaching cash machines within the Vale of Glamorgan."

Police have offered the following advice:

l Check to see if anything is stuck in the cash machine before entering your card.

l If you notice anything suspicious do not use the machine and report it to the police.

l Cover the screen to prevent anyone seeing your PIN number.

l If you are distracted by anyone when using the machine cancel the transaction and try to recover the card.

l If the machine does not return your card, report it immediately to your card issuer.

l Check your bank statement to make sure money is not being taken from your account using a counterfeit card.