Police warning after reports of ATM fraud in Wrexham town centre

A warning has been issued to members of the public today after reports of ATM fraud.

NWP Wrexham Town have issued the warning after reports of incidents in Wrexham town centre.

Card scams involve the use of stolen or counterfeit cards to make purchases or cash withdrawals, or the use of stolen card details to buy items over the phone or via the internet.

Officers are urging anyone who notices anything unusual about the cash machine or there are any signs of tampering to not use it and to report it to the bank as soon as possible.

North Wales Police has issued the following advice on its website on how to protect yourself from fraud when using an ATM.

• If there is anything unusual about the cash machine or there are signs of tampering, do not use it. Report it to the bank as soon as possible.
• Cover your PIN. Stand close to the machine and always use your free hand and body to shield the keypad as you enter your PIN to prevent any prying eyes or hidden cameras seeing it.
• Do not get distracted. Be particularly cautious if ‘well-meaning’ strangers try to distract you or offer to help you.
• Fraudsters sometimes fit devices to cash machines that trap your card, which they then retrieve as soon as you have left the area. If your card is retained by the machine for any reason, report it to your card company immediately, ideally using your mobile phone while you are still in front of the machine. Make sure you have your card company’s 24 hour contact number stored in your mobile phone.
• Once you have completed a transaction, discreetly put your money and card away before leaving the cash machine
• Destroy or shred your cash machine receipts, mini-statements or balance enquiries when you dispose of them

More information can be found on the North Wales Police website.