Police issue warning to businesses over fake card machine scam

Two linked incidents saw a five-figure sum of money stolen in Edinburgh on Thursday.

Police issue warning to businesses over fake card machine scam iStock

Businesses in Edinburgh have been warned to be aware of a potential scam involving fake card machines.

Scammers in Edinburgh have been swapping chip and pin machines with fake ones to trick businesses into sending future payments directly into their own bank account.

Police have sent out the warning following two incidents in Edinburgh city centre on Thursday, January 20, which resulted in a five-figure sum of money stolen.

Businesses have been warned to stay vigilant as enquiries continue.

Sergeant Janie Harman, from the Prevention, Intervention and Partnerships Department, said: “We are urging retail and hospitality staff to be extra vigilant and ensure that they are in control of the card devices at all times, even when it’s not in use.

“If you think you may have been a victim of this type of fraud, contact your bank immediately, ensure that any CCTV is secured and contact police on 101, or in an emergency always call 999.”

Anyone with information about these incidents who has not already contacted Police Scotland should call 101, quoting reference 1971 of January 20, 2022, or report information anonymously via the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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