ATM scam alert as skimming device found at RBS branch

POLICE today warned bank customers across the Capital to be on their guard against fraud after a card-skimming device was found attached to a cash machine in Princes Street.

• A skimming device like the one above was found yesterday afternoon

The device, which included a mobile phone used to film customers entering their PIN, was concealed at the ATM on the west end of the thoroughfare.

Officers are working to establish how long the skimming device was fitted to the Royal Bank of Scotland cash machine, sparking fears that thousands of customers could be at risk of fraud.

Police urged anyone who notices suspicious transactions on their account after using the Princes Street machine to contact their bank immediately.

The force is also urging the public to be wary of similar devices attached to atms throughout the Lothians. Fraudsters often target more than one machine simultaneously to maximise the number of potential victims.

Meanwhile, bank officials said that no customers had reported a fraud due to the latest scam by close of business yesterday.

The machine was discovered at around 7pm on Monday after a man tried to withdraw money and noticed that the ATM had been tampered with.

Officers removed the device, which is described as being approximately 10cm long and 1.5cm thick with a small hole cut in it, through which a mobile phone was used to record PINs typed into the keypad.

A police spokesman said: "People using cash machines are often in a hurry to withdraw cash and be on their way.

"As such, they fail to notice that the ATM has been altered by criminals looking to gain access to their PIN and bank accounts.

"Our communities should always make sure that the machine they are using is safe and never key in details to a machine they have doubts about.

"Anyone who spots a card-skimming device on an ATM should remove it and bring it to the attention of the bank who operate the machine, who will in turn, alert police."

"In addition, if you see suspicious activity on your bank account, please bring it to the attention of your bank as soon as possible."

"Anyone who spots a card-skimming device on an ATM should bring it to the attention of the bank who operate the machine, who will in turn, alert police. If it is outwith bank opening hours, contact the Police direct."

An RBS spokesman said: "We are aware of this incident and are co-operating fully with the police."