Complaints slowing on credit card scam

The force's Cheque and Payment Card Unit are continuing their enquiries into the scam under the codename of Operation Turner.

The investigation is centred on the BP filling Station at Sidley and a petrol station at the Crossways, Eastbourne.

More than 560 reports have come in relating to fraudulent withdrawals made on local residents payment card details. However, police can now confirm that the number of reports coming in are tailing off.

DS Dick Bollard said: "The number of calls is reducing significantly which is a positive sign. With card cloning there is normally a period of cloning, in this case believed to be the beginning of August through to around 20th September, followed by a period of spending until such time as the offenders feel the risk is too high, for example as more and more people become aware of the fraudulent use of their cards and the investigation is launched."

"I would urge people to still check their statements carefully and most importantly if you have been a victim of this crime, please ensure you cancel your card to prevent any further fraudulent withdrawals at any date in the future."

Skimming, which is believed to be the method used in this case, is where criminals copy the magnetic stripe details and use data to make a cloned card. Chip and PIN technology has not been compromised as the fraudsters are not able to read the chip contained on bank cards.

This means that the cloned cards can only be used at locations where Chip and PIN is not required, which is why losers in this case have had money withdrawn from their accounts from abroad.

The magnetic stripe still appears on chip and PIN cards to enable cardholders to pay in shops that do not use chip and PIN, both in the UK and overseas.

However, these losses are expected to decline in the UK in the second half of the year as all UK cash machines and the vast majority of tills are now upgraded.

APACS, the UK payments trade association, has these ten top tips to Foil the Fraudsters:

'¢Don't let your cards or your card details out of your sight when making a transaction.

'¢Destroy, preferably shred, any documents or receipts that contain personal financial information when you dispose of them.

'¢Do not keep your passwords, login details and PINs written down.

'¢Do not disclose PINs, login details or passwords in response to unsolicited emails claiming to be from your bank or the police.

'¢When entering your PIN in a shop or a cash machine use your spare hand to shield the number from prying eyes or hidden cameras.

'¢Only divulge your card details in a telephone transaction when you have instigated the call and are familiar with the company.

'¢Make sure your computer has up-to-date anti-virus software and a firewall installed.

'¢If you have registered your card for online protection via Verified by Visa and MasterCard SecureCode ensure your password is kept safe and secure.

'¢Access internet banking or shopping sites by typing the address into your web browser. Never go to a website from a link in an email and then enter personal details.

'¢Shop at secure websites by ensuring that the security icon (locked padlock or unbroken key symbol) is showing in the bottom of your browser window.