Teams of organised criminals are targeting Automated Teller Machine (ATM) users by stealing their bank card details and PIN numbers with sophisticated card-skimming devices and cameras and continued vigilance by both the police and members of the public is required.

Card skimming occurs when the criminals fit a device over the normal card entry slot on the front of an ATM and a hidden camera directed at the keypad. The camera is usually concealed behind a false plate which is designed to look like a genuine part of the ATM. However, there will be a very small hole for the camera, as indicated in the pictures provided and this will be visible if a user checks the machine carefully before use.

An example of ATM Card Skimming Devices

The skimming device captures the card details and the hidden camera records the PIN number. A replica card is then made and used to withdraw cash from the victims account. Usually those who commit this type of crime will be in the vicinity of the machine, observing activity and making sure that the ATM user does not detect their equipment.

Criminals have also been known to disable nearby cash machines as a means of channelling users towards their specially adapted machine.

In order to help prevent being a victim of this type of crime you should note the following advice

• Check the ATM card slot carefully before inserting your card
• Check to see if there are any signs that the machine has been tampered with and report concerns immediately to Police
• Check for additions to the ATM that are not usual, particularly any evidence of a camera pinhole above the keypad
• Do not use the ATM if you suspect it has been tampered with. Inform the police and the bank straight away
• Cover your hand as you enter your PIN
• Be aware of anyone standing close behind you and looking over your shoulder when entering your PIN
• Check your account balance regularly
• Inform your bank immediately if your account shows any transactions you did not make

Therefore if you see a suspect device do not remove it. Keep a reasonable distance and contact the police immediately. Do not put yourself or those with you at risk by challenging anyone in the vicinity of an ATM who you suspect may be involved in criminal activity.

A number of people in the Highlands and Islands have been contacted unexpectedly by telephone, by persons purporting to be employed by well known High Street Banks and efforts are made to induce the recipient of the call to impart personal and banking details. Under no circumstances should any details be given.

If you have been contacted unexpectedly by a Bank or other organisation, whether by telephone or e-mail, you should under no circumstances impart personal or banking details. If you have any doubt you should independently contact your bank through recognised and official channels to clarify any query that may have been raised.

Northern Constabulary can be contacted on 0845 600 5703 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111

The distraction occurs in retail premises, post offices or banks. Whilst asking the cashier to exchange a large quantity of notes for smaller denominations. Whilst the cashier counts the notes, the person then distracts or confuses the cashier, in order to steal some of the cash.

Businesses are warned to be on the lookout for any suspicious activity, not to be distracted by customers and to take care in counting money handed over before placing it in the till.

Anyone who feels they may have been the victim of such a scam or who may be able to assist Police with their inquiries is urged to contact Police on 0845 600 5703 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

The scam begins with a telephone call from an unknown individual telling you that you have won a substantial sum of money in a Lottery, but that for the monies to be released you must send or deposit money.

Legitimate lotteries don't ask you to pay taxes, custom fees, insurance shipping or handling or any other fee before receiving your winnings.

If you receive such a call do not give out any personal or financial information, ask for a number on which to call them back and hang up the phone.

You should never give out your personal information to anyone during an unsolicited call.

If you still wish to speak to a Police officer or if this may have happened to you please contact your nearest Police station.

All managers and staff of retail and garage service premises should be reminded of continuing instances of fraud involving UKASH paypoint facilities.

There have been a number of incidents reported throughout the Western-Isles, Ross-shire and Inverness areas.

The scam, which is not linked to the legitimate company UKASH, involves criminals contacting a paypoint vendor over the telephone with the knowledge of the paypoint unit serial numbers, purporting to be an engineer requiring to change screen options on the UKASH facility.

A series of alleged system codes will be passed by the fraudster to the vendor. These codes are in fact monetary values. The fraudster may say they are providing an upgrade to their systems. A voucher will then be produced by the facility. If passed on the voucher code will allow the fraudster successful access to the funds. The value of these frauds can range from the low hundreds to several thousand pounds.

We would remind vendors not to give out financial or voucher details over the phone and to ensure that they verify the details of any persons from any companies that contact them. Any incidents of this type will be investigated with a view to identifying the people behind the frauds.

Northern Constabulary advise all business establishments of this scam and to report any such occurrence to their local police station of via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.