Police issue warning after fraudsters target victims at ATMs in Burnley and Nelson

The incidents have happened while people become distracted by fraudsters while using ATMs. It has been reported that a group of men have lingered near to the cash machines in town centres, then, when someone goes to withdraw money they have distracted them, before the victim’s bank card appears to be retained by the ATM.

After that a lump sum of cash has been withdrawn from the victim’s bank account. The reports have been made from St James Street in Burnley and Nelson’s Pendle Street. While investigations continue police have issued guidelines to follow to help people protect themselves and their loved ones who may be vulnerable to this type of crime, particularly as many may be withdrawing large sums of cash as Christmas approaches, to pay for gifts or shopping.

Guidelines to follow when using cash machines include:

*Never share your pin code with anyone.

*Be mindful of who is around you when you use an ATM. If you see something suspicious, don’t use the cash machine, and report it to police straight away.

*Cover the pin pad with your hand when using a cash machine – you never know if someone could be watching you input it.

* Don’t leave your cash visible after you have withdrawn it – put it in a safe place.

A spokesman for Burnley and Padiham police said they were aware that some of the people most vulnerable to this type of crime may not be on social media, so other methods of sharing the warnings would be used, including community visits and town centre patrols.

The spokesman said: “We are also asking the public to help us by sharing this information with family, friends and neighbours who may be vulnerable to this to help us prevent them from becoming a victim of fraud.”

You can report fraud by calling 101 or online here: https://orlo.uk/L6Qyn or alternatively, you can report to ActionFraud on 0300 123 2040.