Card cloning equipment found at two Motherwell cash points

Jul 15 2010 by Leona Greenan, Hamilton Advertiser

Card cloning equipment found at two Motherwell cash points

CARD cloning equipment has been discovered at two Motherwell cash points.

The gadgets were found stuck to the front of the automated transaction machines (ATMs) with what is believed to be some form of tape.

The skimming devices come in two parts and are used by fraudsters to record card and PIN details.

Police were alerted to the devices after a man attempted to withdraw cash from an ATM on Hamilton Road, Motherwell at about 8pm on July 5.

The customer became suspicious that there was a fake front on the machine and phoned Police asking them to inspect it.

When Police arrived, however the device had been removed. But, just three days later at 5pm on July 8 another customer withdrawing money from a nearby cash machine also on Hamilton Road discovered a fake fascia.

The bank user pulled on the device and managed to pull it free.

Police were contacted and seized the skimming device. An investigation is now underway and PC Ruddell, of community safety at Motherwell police office, is urging local residents to thoroughly check ATMs before putting their card in.

He told The Advertiser this week: “Check the card reader before inserting your card. If something looks out of place then pull on it. Nothing on an ATM should move. If it moves or comes off then take the piece and go into the bank or a nearby building and contact police.

“We can test the skimming device for DNA and fingerprints and find the people responsible for making and using them.

“Also, always cover your hand as you enter your PIN and check your account balance regularly.

“Inform your bank immediately if your account shows any transactions you did not make.”

Any person looking for further advice can contact PC Ruddell at Motherwell Police Office on 01698 483135.

Skimming devices have recently been found on cash machines outside Hamilton’s Asda store and on a machine at the Royal Bank of Scotland on Stonelaw Road, Rutherglen.