Security warning over Santander cashpoints

Police are warning Cheshire residents not to use some Santander cash machines over fears they have been compromised.

The warning follows reports of suspicious devices on the bank’s machines across Lancashire last week.

Officers are concerned that criminals have targeted the machines in an attempt to steal card details and cash, and urged those who have lost money to contact the bank.

A spokesman for the force said it feared the issue could be more widespread. He said: “We are advising the public to be vigilant, in particular of Santander machines, but of any cash machines. Report anything suspicious, have a visual check of the cashpoint and if in doubt leave it and go somewhere else.

“It’s spread across the whole of Lancashire, so it’s highly likely other forces may have had reports. We do not know how many are affected.”

The force also issued advice to bank customers, including not to use a cash machine if it appears to have been tampered with and shielding the keypad when entering a pin.

Cheshire police also issued a warning to avoid Santander machines in Wilmslow. The force tweeted: “Cheshire police have received reports of issues with Santander ATMs in Wilmslow. Please do not use the machines and call your bank and 101.”

A Santander spokeswoman said officers had contacted the bank over the weekend and asked for five cash machines in the north-west of England to be shut “due to potential criminal activity and vandalism”.

In a statement, the bank said: “The five ATMs in question were shut down immediately. The Santander ATM network remains fully operational and we are assisting the police with their enquiries in relation to the five ATMs in the Lancashire area.

“Customers are always advised to remain vigilant and if concerned about any other ATMs, they should contact the police immediately and not use them.”

A report in The Guardian stated that five machines had been covered with a false frontage, but it is unclear whether it was intended to skim or trap users’ cards, or to use another method of duping them. It is thought that a gang may have been operating in the area.