Police Issue Warning Over ATM Skimming Devices

Police in Newtownabbey have issued a warning after a skimming device was found at a ATM machine in the area.

The PSNI called on the public to be vigilant.

Thieves use skimming devices to steal personal information stored on credit or debit cards and record the PIN number to access cash from the account.

A police spokesperson issued the following advice:

• When you approach an ATM, check for some obvious signs of tampering at the top of the ATM, near the speakers, the side of the screen, the card reader itself, and the keyboard.

• If you're at the bank, it's a good idea to quickly take a look at the ATM next to yours and compare them both.

• Even if you can't see any visual differences, push at everything. ATMs are solidly constructed and generally don't have any jiggling or loose parts.

• Wiggling the card as you enter it in the slot won't interfere with your transaction, but will foil the skimmer.

• Whenever you enter your debit card's PIN, just assume there is someone looking so cover the pad with your free hand.

(CD)