A bank machine in St Andrews has been targeted once more by criminals using a card skimming device.
The device was discovered at an ATM on Market Street on Sunday, and is understood to be the third time in the space of several months that the particular bank machine in question has been hit.
Police in north east Fife are now urging members of the public to be wary of criminals using the tactic to steal bank details.
Sergeant Michael Reilly, of St Andrews police station, said: “We received a report of a possible skimming device in the ATM at Barclays Bank on Market Street on Sunday.
“Officers have retrieved the device and the incident remains under investigation. As a result we are advising members of the public to be especially vigilant when withdrawing cash.
“Such devices often feature a skimming mechanism and a small camera which records their key strokes.
“This allows the criminal to clone the card and, having obtained the PIN, use them to withdraw cash at any ATM.”
Such withdrawals often remain undiscovered until customers check their account transactions.
Police say users should always check the card reader before using a bank machine, check for any additions to the machine that appear out of place, and always cover your hand when entering your PIN.
Customers should also be aware of their surroundings and whether or not anyone is watching while entering their PIN, while accounts should also be checked regularly for any sign of illegal transactions.
Anyone with information about the card skimming device should contact Police Scotland on 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
