Good Afternoon.

We have been made aware of suspicious activity around the cash point at Tesco Trent Vale, a member of the public has gone to the machine and whilst taking there card from the machine a card reader has come away.   This is an illegal advise and is used by criminals to read your bank details.

If you have used the cash point recently please check your bank account and any suspicious activity on your account please contact your bank ASAP.

Some advise in regard to using a cash point:-

Follow the tips from ‘Take Five’ below to minimise the chances of having your card or card details stolen at a cash or self-service machines:

Always cover the keypad with your free hand whenever you use your card to avoid your PIN being seen, or to prevent it from being captured by a hidden camera set up by a criminal.

Make sure you’re aware of people who may be standing too close or trying to distract you as you use an ATM in order to steal your card details and PIN. It’s okay to say no to offers of help from seemingly well-meaning strangers.

If your card has been retained by a card machine, ensure you report it to your card provider immediately – if possible whilst at, or near, the machine. Make sure you have your card company’s 24-hour contact telephone number. The number will be on the back of your card, your card statement, their website or banking app.

If your banking app allows, freeze your card through the app to prevent criminals making withdrawals and purchases if your card is stolen or missing.

Some banks will allow you to put a maximum cash machine withdrawal limit through your banking app, this can prevent criminals taking large sums from your account if your card is stolen.

If you notice anything suspicious or unusual about an ATM such as signs of tampering, step away from using it and report it to the bank concerned immediately.

Ensure you put your card and money away for safekeeping prior to leaving the cash machine. Where possible, destroy or shred any receipts, mini-statements, or balance enquiries when you dispose of them.

Find out more at: Cash Machine Fraud | Take Five | Take Five (takefive-stopfraud.org.uk)