11:52am Thursday 26th November 2009
Police in Pembrokeshire are urging the public to take care when using cash machines.
The advice comes as part of a county-wide campaign to combat card skimming.
Police are advising people to be aware of anything that may look unusual about the card slot area when drawing money out of cash machines.
Criminals typically use a hidden card reading device and a camera to steal customer's card information and pin number. They then have enough data to create counterfeit cards.
If customers suspect a machine has been tampered with, they should report this to the bank or their local police station immediately. Police say that customers should not attempt to use their bank card in the machine if they notice anything suspicious.
Police advise people to, wherever possible, use a machine within the bank itself and to always use the same cash machine.
If there are any changes to the machine,such as a new leaflet holder customers are urged to be very cautious. If the machine is outside a bank the customer should go in and ask about the changes first.
Police say that you should cover your hand, by holding their other hand above it, when entering a PIN number and should watch out for anyone close by. If they seem too close, cancel the transaction and go to another machine.
Finally, police say, you should always take your receipt, even though it doesn't contain the card's full number, it's best not to give criminals any information at all.
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