RECENTLY we have had some customers come into the branch and ask if our ATM is safe to use.

This has been based on a post on Facebook recently where a customer was a victim of fraud shortly after using the ATM outside the branch. We take the security of our customers very seriously and immediately checked our ATM for any suspicious devices. I’m pleased to report that the ATM has never had any criminal tampering and that it remains a safe ATM to use.

When fraud spend occurs it is difficult to track it back to where the details were compromised, it is not often the last ATM or website used by the customer. As the customers will be unaware their details have been skimmed, their card details are usually held for a number of weeks before the data is used to make counterfeit cards and used in countries that don’t use chip and pin pads (such as the USA)

The most effective way to protect yourself against skimming attacks is to always shield your PIN when entering it, either with a hand, a purse or a wallet. Without the PIN, this dramatically limits the criminals ability to use the card or card data to access funds. If your card appears to have been retained by an ATM, call your card issuer immediately to have the card cancelled and a new one ordered.

We would also advise customers to get to know their local ATM, familiarise themselves with the look of the card reader entry slot, the ATMs surroundings, the screen surround and logo panels. If customers ever feel there is anything suspicious or out of place at an RBS or NatWest ATM they can report this to us via the specialist number displayed on the idle screens of all our ATMs or by popping in to the branch.

Here are some top tips for customers:

1. Scan the whole ATM area before you approach it. Avoid using the ATM if there are suspicious looking individuals around.

2. Check to see if anything looks unusual or suspicious about the ATM or if it looks like it has been tampered with.

3. If it appears to have any attachments to the card slot, cash slot or keypad, do not use it. If possible, alert nearby staff or call the police.

4. Stand close to the ATM and shield the keypad with your hand when keying in your PIN.

5. Check that others in the queue keep a good distance from you.

6. If your card gets jammed or retained by the machine or no cash comes out, report this immediately to your bank or building society, ideally using your mobile phone while you are still at the machine.

7. Keep your PIN secret. Never reveal your PIN to anyone, whether that is someone claiming to be from your bank, a police officer or, especially, a "helpful" stranger.

8. Be especially cautious if strangers try to distract you or offer to help at an ATM, even if your card is stuck or you are experiencing difficulty with the transaction.

9. Regularly check your account balance and keep your receipt to check against your statement.

Carol Morris

Branch Manager RBS

Astley Bridge