Menu
26/08/2003
Warning issued after credit cards cloned at bank
Police are warning the public to be vigilant after reports of credit and debit card fraud were linked to a criminal operation in HSBC bank, Newbury.
Police investigations into a report of debit card fraud have discovered that a skimming device had been installed underneath the card swipe which allows access to the lobby of the bank out of hours. The skimmer is able to record the details held in the card’s magnetic strip, allowing them to be transferred to another card - a practice known as cloning.
CCTV footage taken from the bank on Tuesday 12 August shows three men entering the lobby shortly after 6pm. One man then installs a CCTV camera, which police believe was used to watch people entering their PIN details on the cash machine. They also put 'Out of Order' signs on other cash machines to encourage more people to use the machine in front of the camera.
PC Chris Baumgart, of the cheque and card fraud unit for West Berkshire police area, said: “We believe this is the first time this technique has been used in the Thames Valley. It has been a problem in the London area for some time, but several police operations there seem to have pushed the criminals into the Home Counties.
“Consequently we are asking the public to be wary of any suspicious-looking devices on the exterior doors of banks with lobbies which offer out-of-hours services and also of any paper signs. If a machine is out of order, the message will be displayed electronically on the machine’s screen.”
The three men seen in HSBC Newbury are of eastern European appearance and were all dressed in casual clothing.
If anyone has any information about the incident or believes they may also have been a victim in this way they are urged to contact PC Baumgart on 01635 264689 or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers service on 0800 555.
(gmcg)
Police investigations into a report of debit card fraud have discovered that a skimming device had been installed underneath the card swipe which allows access to the lobby of the bank out of hours. The skimmer is able to record the details held in the card’s magnetic strip, allowing them to be transferred to another card - a practice known as cloning.
CCTV footage taken from the bank on Tuesday 12 August shows three men entering the lobby shortly after 6pm. One man then installs a CCTV camera, which police believe was used to watch people entering their PIN details on the cash machine. They also put 'Out of Order' signs on other cash machines to encourage more people to use the machine in front of the camera.
PC Chris Baumgart, of the cheque and card fraud unit for West Berkshire police area, said: “We believe this is the first time this technique has been used in the Thames Valley. It has been a problem in the London area for some time, but several police operations there seem to have pushed the criminals into the Home Counties.
“Consequently we are asking the public to be wary of any suspicious-looking devices on the exterior doors of banks with lobbies which offer out-of-hours services and also of any paper signs. If a machine is out of order, the message will be displayed electronically on the machine’s screen.”
The three men seen in HSBC Newbury are of eastern European appearance and were all dressed in casual clothing.
If anyone has any information about the incident or believes they may also have been a victim in this way they are urged to contact PC Baumgart on 01635 264689 or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers service on 0800 555.
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
18 September 2013
Convicted Paedophile Loses Legal Challenge Over Bank Details
A convicted paedophile has lost a legal challenge in the High Court over rules requiring him to disclose bank details to police.
Convicted Paedophile Loses Legal Challenge Over Bank Details
A convicted paedophile has lost a legal challenge in the High Court over rules requiring him to disclose bank details to police.
29 January 2009
ID Card Benefits 'Will Be Delivered Soon', Says Home Secretary
Work is underway to identify a number of areas across the UK where British nationals can be among the first to apply for an identity card, Home Secretary Jacqui Smith announced when she visited Manchester today.
ID Card Benefits 'Will Be Delivered Soon', Says Home Secretary
Work is underway to identify a number of areas across the UK where British nationals can be among the first to apply for an identity card, Home Secretary Jacqui Smith announced when she visited Manchester today.
20 March 2012
Government Credit Cards Being Abused
An examination of transaction carried on government credit cards has uncovered evidence of unauthorised transactions. The National Audit Office report released today will show that government-issued procurement cards are being abused due to a failure to oversee their spending.
Government Credit Cards Being Abused
An examination of transaction carried on government credit cards has uncovered evidence of unauthorised transactions. The National Audit Office report released today will show that government-issued procurement cards are being abused due to a failure to oversee their spending.
01 July 2008
Brits Risk £58m A Month In Extra Charges Using Cards Abroad
Research launched today by Travelex reveals consumers are still relying on credit and debit cards abroad, and last month Brits stumped-up £58m in extra charges at ATMs and in retail outlets abroad. This is the equivalent of sending 20,000 families of four on a week-long holiday to the Med.
Brits Risk £58m A Month In Extra Charges Using Cards Abroad
Research launched today by Travelex reveals consumers are still relying on credit and debit cards abroad, and last month Brits stumped-up £58m in extra charges at ATMs and in retail outlets abroad. This is the equivalent of sending 20,000 families of four on a week-long holiday to the Med.
22 March 2004
Britons will spend £17bn shopping online in 2004, says report
The lure of online purchasing will tempt around 20 million British shoppers into spending around £17 billion this year, according to a report by the e-commerce business conglomerate IMRG. The trade body, which includes businesses such as easyJet, Debenhams and Tesco.
Britons will spend £17bn shopping online in 2004, says report
The lure of online purchasing will tempt around 20 million British shoppers into spending around £17 billion this year, according to a report by the e-commerce business conglomerate IMRG. The trade body, which includes businesses such as easyJet, Debenhams and Tesco.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
