News

Barclays adding anti-skimming devices to more ATMs

December 15, 2004

The Scotsman.com: After a trial of a new "anti-skimming" device for ATMs, Barclays bank will fit a further 188 machines, including those located in Underground stations, with the device this week.

It may add them to all of its ATMs next year if it proves successful. The bank is hoping the technology will stop criminals stealing details contained on bank cards.

Fraudsters attach a skimming device on the cash machine's card slot that records information contained on the magnetic stripe of ATM users' cards. The new device fits over the card slot, preventing the criminal's reader from being stuck on. It will automatically shut down the cash machine if it senses it is being attacked.

According to the Association for Payment Clearing Services, there were £61 million (U.S. $117.6 million) worth of fraudulent cash withdrawals in the first six months of 2004.