Credit card owners must remain vigilant with ATM fraud.
Cash-machine fraud was down in 2005. However, the experts agree it's still a substantial problemas the fraudsters' techniques improving.
Typically a fraudster attaches a card reader to the outside of the slot into which you put your card - these devices can be hard to spot as they look like part of the machine.
This is a robbery that you never realise has taken place.
The details can lead to a new, fraudulent card with a fresh signature being made, which can then be maxed out to its limit.
Many fraudsters will now be out to get your PIN too, and they don't need to be standing looking over your shoulder to do this; they can rely instead on a pin-hole camera that records the PIN you enter on the keyboard.
Pin-hole cameras have a lens as small as a full stop.
If one of these is installed into a cash machine, it's unlikely you'll see it, but you may be able to see the card reader.
So, when approaching a machine that has other ones beside it, check if all the machines look the same.
What does a card reader look like?
One type of card reader is a flat, flexible piece of plastic that the fraudster will slot into the machine, coming back to pull it out and plug it into a computer.
The more common type is an external reader. The slot on the face of a machine that has one of these attached to it will be raised and possibly a different colour to the rest of the parts of the machine.
The external reader is glued on to the front of the slot and copies your card as it passes through. Most banks machines have smooth-fronted card slots, not raised, so this is a good indicator to look out for.
Also, be particularly wary if adjoining cash points have 'out-of-order' signs on them, as this can be a ploy to divert customers to the machine that has been tampered with.
This also goes for the out-of-order sign on the screen, as a criminal will break a machine that they cannot get a camera or card copier into to get you to use one that they have been able to crack into.
To get round pin-hole cameras it's also worth shielding the keyboard with your spare hand as you enter your PIN.
The safest methods of withdrawing cash with your credit card.
ATMs inside bank branches are very often a safer bet, but one of the safest ways to withdraw cash from your account is to get cashback at the supermarket. Many supermarkets are open 24 hours a day, and the best bit is that the card never leaves your sight.
But take note of what's happening around you, never share your account details with anyone and never let your card out of your sight.
