Police are appealing for witnesses and urging the public to remain vigilant after a card-skimming device was used around 7.20 p.m. on Tuesday at the Royal Bank of Scotland ATM on the High Street Dalkeith.
A 53-year-old man used the machine, which then swallowed his card then a short time later the victim received notification from his bank that his card and then been used to make several fraudulent transactions in a 20-minute period.
Local officers are now investigating to identify those responsible and anyone who remembers seeing anything suspicious in the High Street area on Tuesday evening is asked to come forward.
Inspector Wendy Neilson from Dalkeith Police Station said: “As a result of this incident the victim was defrauded of a three-figure sum of money from his account and we believe the ATM he used had been fitted with a device that swallowed his card and skimmed his details.
“If anyone can help us with our inquiries into this matter then please contact police immediately.
“I would also urge our communities to pay close attention to any cash machines you intend to use and if you are in any way suspicious about how it looks, or if you suspect it is fitted with a card-skimming device, do not proceed with your transaction and report the matter to the branch and to ourselves.”
Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101 or alternatively, the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
