Train passengers have been warned to be on the lookout for card skimming devices when buying tickets at unmanned stations on the rail and tube network.
Police have noticed an increase in the number skimming units fitted to payment pads on ticket machines in London train and tube stations.
Card skimmers are used by criminals to capture card details when people use a cash machine or similar device. The machines record data from debit and credit cards and in some cases a camera captures the card holder entering their PIN. The card details are then used by criminals to withdraw money using cloned cards in the UK and abroad or to make purchases online.
The Dedicated Cheque and Plastic Crime Unit, British Transport Police and Transport for London have issued advice to commuters and other rail users to avoid using a machine if somebody is behaving suspiciously around it, not to insert a card into a machine that looks unusual or as though it may have been tampered with and to alert station staff if they suspect any foul play.
Travellers should also be vigilant for people looking over their shoulder or crowding them when making a transaction and always shield the keypad when entering PIN numbers.
Detective Chief Inspector Paul Barnard, who heads the DCPCU, said: “We urge tube users to stay on their guard to help prevent themselves from being scammed. Officers from our specialist unit, which has a national remit, are working very closely with TFL and the BTP to ensure that these fraudsters do not benefit from their criminal activity.
“We also want to reassure people that any innocent victim of this scam will get their money back from their bank or card company.”
Passengers who pay for their ticket by card should check their bank and credit card statements regularly for any unfamiliar or unusual transactions.
Howard Collins, TFL’s Chief Operating Officer at London Underground, said: “Although crime on the tube network is very low, with an average of only 13 crimes per million passengers, we want to make sure that our passengers take a couple of steps to minimise the risk of becoming a victim of bank card fraud. We will continue to work closely with the Metropolitan Police and BTP to ensure that the tube network remains a low crime environment.”
Card skimming and other types of fraud that do not require a card to be present for a transaction to be processed have accounted for the largest chunk of fraud losses since the introduction of chip and pin in 2006. Banks will usually refund any money lost to card skimming fraud but in some instances it can take some time to get your money back.
Detective Sergeant Dean Lardner, of BTP’s Major Investigation Unit, said: “Members of the public should be aware of these scams and take care when using ticket machines. By checking ticket machines for anything unusual, people can better protect themselves from becoming a victim of theft.”
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