News

Police are advising people to be vigilant after a card-skimming device was discovered on a cash machine in Folkestone.

Officers were alerted at 10.25 am on Thursday (3 July) after the device was found attached to the card slot on the cash machine outside Sainsbury's in Bouverie Road West.

Crime Scene Investigators are examining the device and the cash point area for possible forensic evidence.

Officers are advising people who may have used the cash machine to check their bank accounts and to contact their bank if there have been any fraudulent transactions.

Folkestone Town Centre PC John Weller said: "There are a number of steps that you can take to help prevent yourself from becoming a victim of credit card fraud.

"At cash points check behind you before you put your card in. If someone is standing too close behind you or you think someone is watching, either offer to let them go first or go to a different cash point.

"Make sure no one can see you input your PIN number at a cash point and keep your number secret.

"Look out for anything unusual around cash dispensers. This could include unofficial 'out of order' notices that appear to direct users to one particular machine, misaligned or blurry screens or the card seeming to 'stick' when being inserted or ejected from the card slot of the machine.

"Do not attempt to remove the skimming device yourself or apprehend an offender, but call the police immediately.

"Don't let your card out of your sight. With the introduction of portable chip and pin processors there should be no excuse for anyone to take your card out of your view. If an assistant insists, politely ask to accompany them whilst your card is processed.

"Be vigilant. If you are suspicious of any activity near a cash dispenser contact the police."