Bank card scam (From Barry And District News)

Bank card scam

PENARTH could be the next town targeted by cashcard cloning gangs who have stolen thousands of pounds from the bank accounts of South Wales residents in recent weeks.

Vale of Glamorgan police have issued renewed warnings as banks in the area are believed to have been hit by criminals using high-tech cloning equipment.

Evidence of glue and criminal damage was found to a HSBC and a NatWest bank within the Vale.

Police believe that criminals were attempting to glue so-called "skimming" devices into the card inset of an ATM.

These devices scan cards inserted by customers providing criminals with access to customer account information.

Although customers get their card back, their details are stored on the scanning device and used to create a clone of the card.

Superintendent Josh Jones, Divisional Commander of Vale of Glamorgan police, said: "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 when using a cash card:

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.

A woman in Barry was left penniless earlier this month after a total of £1640 was withdrawn from her account over several days.

The devices were discovered for the first time in Wales last month when customers of several banks fell victim to the scam.