20
Oct
North Yorkshire Police warning over cash machine scam
North Yorkshire Police has urged people to be vigilant after a ‘cash trap’ scam has targeted the region.
The incident happens when a criminal gang attaches discreet covers to ATMs so that when a victim makes a withdrawal, their account is debited but the money doesn’t appear to be dispensed from the machine and is trapped in the concealed device, which the offenders later recover.
Detectives from the Yorkshire and Humber Regional Organised Crime Unit targeted a gang suspected of fitting ‘cash traps’ to ATMs, making three arrests of men aged 30, 34 and 46 on suspicion of conspiracy to steal and possession of articles intended to commit fraud.
Offences have been reported across England, Scotland and Wales, but the majority have been in the Yorkshire and Humber region.
Detective Sergeant Sam Harding, of YHROCU’s proactive economic crime team, said:
We are urging members of the public to be vigilant when using cash machines given these recent offences. Before making a withdrawal, people should check the machine for any unusual attachments, loose fittings or signs that it may have been tampered with.
If cash does not dispense but your account is debited, report the matter to your bank immediately and contact Report Fraud or your local police force.
We are continuing to work with our partner in the banking industry to deter and detect this type of offending while taking a proactive approach to targeting the criminal gangs behind it.
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