Scammers target cash machine

BANK customers throughout the Borough are being told to remain vigilant after scammers targeted a Dungiven cash machine last week.

The fraudsters placed a skimming device on an Ulster Bank ATM on the Chapel Road. A number of people who used the machine between Thursday evening and Friday, lost hundreds from personal accounts. Police were alerted to the device after reports of damage to the machine, and money missing from bank accounts.One local man, whose relative lost over 300 after using the cash machine on Thursday, described the con artistry as "sickening."

"It was Thursday evening before we discovered the money had went missing. We had used two bank machines that day in the town and she only discovered the money had went missing after getting a receipt that said she had withdrawn 300. So after checking with the first bank we went to the other one.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"It's a sickening thing coming up to Christmas, thank goodness though we were able to get the money back and quickly. The bank couldn't have been more helpful."

Skimming is the process by which identity thieves copy the details from a credit or debit card by using what looks to be the front of a bank machine, which is fitted with a false panel into which is fitted a small webcam or digital camera. Anyone using the machine whilst this is fitted can have their details scanned from the magnetic strip on the rear of the card in question.

SDLP councillor for the area Michael Coyle reminded everyone to remain vigilant against these types of crimes, especially running up to the festive period. He said: "Nobody expected this sort of thing to happen in Dungiven, but this is a busy time of the year and people tend to use cash machine a lot more everywhere.

"I would remind everyone in the borough to remain extremely careful , especially using ATM's. If you spot anything unusual contact police immediately."

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Sinn Fein Councillor for the area Cathal O hOisin added: " I would urge people be very careful using ATM's particularly those in an open space. Internal machines maybe more safer to use as they are monitored by CCTV.

A PSNI spokpersons said: "Police are advising members of the public who use the ATM on Chapel Road in Dungiven to check their accounts following reports that cards have been skimmed. "

Police were alerted to damage to the ATM on Friday (19th). On making further enquiries it is now believed that a device had been attached to the ATM at some point. It is not certain how long the item had been in place or when it was removed. Customers are advised to check their accounts and make contact with their bank and police if they come across any abnormalities."

"If you think there is something wrong with the ATM you are using alert a member of staff and the police immediately.

Ulster Bank said it was advising all customers to be vigilant against unusual activity.