Cops probe card skimming scam at Alexandria cash machine

Aug 6 2010 by Lorraine Waddell, Lennox Herald (main ed)

COPS are probing the discovery of another suspected card skimming device in the area.

It is thought that the dodgy piece of equipment was found on an ATM in Alexandria town centre on Thursday.

A spokesman said: “Strathclyde Police can confirm that they are currently involved in investigations following the discovery of a suspected ‘card skimming’ device at a ATM in Alexandria on July 29.

“Enquiries are at an early stage and police would ask that any member of the public who may have witnessed any suspicious activity around ATM’s in the area to contact Dumbarton CID on 01389 822000.”

Locally, this is the third similar incident over the past few months.

In May, an off-duty cop spotted the skimmer at the Royal Bank of Scotland in Dumbarton High Street after similar equipment was discovered at machines in Hardgate, Clydebank and Helensburgh.

And, the following month, the same policeman detected the device again at the same ATM.

Crooks fit the device over the existing cash machine which enables them to steal data directly from the card’s magnetic strip.