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Cashpoint scam alert
HIGH-TECH criminals are targeting cash machines in Sheffield in a spate of thefts which has so far netted thousands of pounds.
The sophisticated scam allows offenders to steal unwitting victims' PIN numbers as well as bank cards – giving them free access to accounts.
Police have confirmed they are investigating 13 thefts in the last few weeks.
Three men are believed to be involved. One 'shoulder surfs' – watching from behind as a customer inputs their PIN – or stands at an adjacent machine so he can watch the number being keyed in.
One bank source, who asked not to be named, told The Star that once the criminal has the PIN a device is then used to turn off the cash machine screen, giving the impression it has crashed.
The baffled customer enters the bank to report the failure while the thieves are either turning the screen back on or hitting the cancel button to retrieve the card.
The offenders then go to another bank and make the maximum withdrawal allowed, usually 200 or 500.
The source said: "If you use a machine and it goes blank, do not leave. Explain what has happened to someone and ask them to enter the bank and explain the situation."
It is understood two of the males involved are Asian and one white, and all are aged about 30.
South Yorkshire Police Insp Neil Mutch, of the city centre Safer Neighbourhood Team, confirmed an operation has been launched and said officers have the full cooperation of the banks to identify the offenders.
He said: "These incidents are rare. Thousands of safe transactions are made every day at cash machines across the city. However I would advise anyone using cash machines to be vigilant and aware of people around them."
Insp Mutch said: "Always cover the keypad when you type in your PIN number, and check that other people in the queue are a reasonable distance away from you when making your transaction. If you think someone is acting suspiciously around a cash machine, report it to the bank."
Anyone with information is urged to contact the City Centre Safer Neighbourhood Team on 0114 2523996 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
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Weather for Sheffield
Saturday 26 May 2012
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