In recent weeks two separate cash machines (ATMs) were tampered with in the George Town area. No customer accounts have been compromised, however officers from the RCIPS Financial Crime Unit are urging members of the public to be vigilant when using cash machines and immediately report anything suspicious.

“The tampering consisted of a skimming device being placed over the card slot of the machines and the pin number / card details are copied,” said Detective Chief Inspector Claudia Brady. “Fortunately, on both occasions, bank staff from both of the financial institutions that were affected, quickly identified that the machines had been tampered with and, due to their quick actions and vigilance, none of their customers have lost out financially.”

When using a cash machine you should look out for the following:

Make sure that the green band of lights around the card slot is illuminated.

Check the facia of the machine to make sure that nothing looks out of place or suspicious.

Check for any small holes, they could be as small as a pin prick, near the keypad as this could be a concealed camera.

Always cover the keypad with your hand when entering your PIN number.

If you believe that the machine has been tampered with DO NOT USE IT but immediately report to your bank and to the police.

Attached is a photograph of the skimming device.