ATM users are being warned of a new scam which criminals are using to defraud bank customers.
The criminals first place a device on the ATM which traps the ATM user's card in the card slot. The unsuspecting customer uses the ATM while the criminal watches as they key in their PIN. On completing the cash withdrawl the cardholder realises the card is not coming out of the machine and the criminal offers to help them retrieve it. The individual pretends to recover the card but actually gives the victim back a substitute card which looks similar to theirs.
Having seen the victim key in their PIN at the ATM the criminal retrieves the victim's card from the slot and withdraws as much cash as possible until such time as card is reported stolen.
They have also used in-branch kiosks, using the stolen cards and PINs, to transfer monies to foreign accounts.
In the past week six such cases have resulted in losses of €30,000.
The Irish Payment Services Organisation is asking the public to warn elderly and vulnerable friends about this scam and to avoid talking to strangers at ATMs.
