Published: March 29, 2007
Police issue advice amid Burnham-On-Sea cashpoint 'skimming' fears

Police have this week issued security advice to Burnham-On-Sea cashpoint users after a visitor to the town voiced his fears about a 'skimming' device being attached to a cash machine in the town.

We reported at the weekend how Ernie Horobin, from Surrey, had said he had been contacted by Lloyds Bank regarding the 'skimming' incident last month.

While Burnham police and Lloyds Bank have not confirmed that any incident took place, they have issued advice to any worried cashpoint users.

Police spokesman Wayne Baker told Burnham-On-Sea.com: "Our Financial Investigation Unit has not been made aware of any recent incidents although we do have ongoing contact and liaison with Link."

They will be aware of all skimming issues where devices have been identified and used at particular ATMs around the country. However they don't notify us as a matter of course after the event - only if it is still active. Our advice to those using cash machines is to look carefully at the machine when placing your card in it for any sign of a false front. They are not always obvious."

"Also, be careful of people hanging around whilst you are using it, potentially trying to look over your shoulder. It is advisable to cover the pin pad when keying in your number, to hide your pin number from prying eyes or hidden pinhole cameras, which may be attached above the machine key pad."

"It is always advisable to keep a close eye on bank statements and report fraud immediately to your bank and any suspicious activity at ATMs to the police immediately."

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Fresh fears over cashpoint security in Burnham-On-Sea