Warning onskimmingdevices

It has been revealed that illegal skimming devices are being discovered attached to cash machines in Northern Ireland at the rate of nearly one a week and Citywatch is urging people in Lisburn to be on the look out for anything unusual.

Skimming involves a device being attached to a cash dispenser to record the electronic details from the magnetic strips of genuine cards as they are inserted.

A miniature camera is hidden, overlooking the PIN pad to capture the number being entered.

A fake magnetic strip card is then produced and used with the genuine PIN to withdraw cash at cash machines overseas, where they have yet to upgrade to chip and PIN

The most recent reports have been in Antrim, Carrickfergus and Lurgan.

Citywatch and the police have offered advice local people to help to keep their money safe.

“Put your personal safety first. If someone makes you feel uncomfortable, cancel the transaction and use a different machine;

“If you spot anything unusual about the cash machine, or there are signs of tampering, do not use it. Report it to police and the bank concerned immediately;

“Be alert. If someone is crowding or watching you, cancel the transaction and go to another machine;

“Stand close to the cash machine. Always shield the keypad with your free hand and your body to avoid anyone seeing you enter
your PIN.”

“Once you have completed a transaction, put your money and card away before leaving the cash machine.”