Poster plan aims to cut ATM fraud (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Poster plan aims to cut ATM fraud

Inspector Paul McGrath shows off the poster while PC Emma Brown has one of the card readers (17401) POLICE in Wiltshire have launched the UK's first poster campaign aimed at protecting the public from cash machine fraud.

Officers unveiled the new Don't be a Victim of Crime posters at the Barclays Bank in Melksham and Bradford on Avon on Tuesday.

The posters are tailored to include a photograph of each individual cash point and are displayed close by to show how that particular machine should look.

The campaign has already enjoyed major success in Marlborough, where no incidents of ATM fraud have been reported since the initiative was launched there last year. Acting Inspector Steve McGrath of Wiltshire Police devised the poster campaign, which is the first of its kind in the country.

Insp McGrath said: "This is a very simple and effective way of cracking down on cash machine fraud. We don't want to bombard the public with information and this poster should detail everything they need to know."

Melksham and Devizes Barclays branch manager Matt Couzens said he was pleased to be working with the local police force to combat fraud in the area. Mr Couzens said: "Our advice to customers is to always stay vigilant when withdrawing money. They should check their bank statements regularly and should report any signs of fraud to the police immediately."

Last year fraudsters stole more than £74 million from cash machines across the UK.

Thieves fix a card reader with a microchip over the card slot to record each customer's card details. A tiny camera located above the machine then records the customer's PIN number and a fake card is created. Money is then simply withdrawn from the customer's account.

Insp McGrath urged customers to take notice of the new posters before withdrawing any money.

He said: "You should always check the card slot has not got a false front by comparing the machine itself with the picture on the poster. I would also advise people to cover their hand when entering their PIN number as a precaution."

George Leek, of Melksham, was the first customer to use the Barclays cash point on Bank Street with the accompanying police poster. He said: "This poster campaign is a brilliant idea. I'm very proud that the Wiltshire Police are the first force in the country to try this. I feel much safer using the machine now."