peckhambog

Yes a scam. Distraction theft. Version 1. Has previously watched you enter your PIN. Your card presents before your cash. By interrupting you she takes your card discreetly from the machine. You are concerned for your cash and take it, and having been unsettled by the interruption forget you haven't taken your card. She goes to another nearby machine and attempts several withdrawals at the maximum limit. Version 2. She says "Is that your money on the floor?" There is a note on the ground and you bend down to investigate. She or a second person takes your cash which is waiting to be removed. They disappear and you wonder where you're at (which stage) on the ATM transaction. ALWAYS BE AWARE IF ANYONE (OR TWO) IS HANGING AROUND THE MACHINE. DON'T RESPOND TO ANY DISTRACTIONS.

I know it's a drag (and I haven't done it yet) but the best practice is to store the emergency telephone number on the back of your card in your mobile so you can call it up when you are still by the machine. Do not leave the machine. The criminals will be watching from a distance (though sometimes they shoulder surf for your PIN if they haven't fitted a camera). I know this doesn't help out of hours but the safest ATMs are inside the bank during business hours.

UncleBen Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Sounds like it could be one of those happy clappy > churches that go on all night with plenty of > screaming and shouting with hundreds in attendance I wonder what this suggestion is based on? Has anybody been to any of the meetings at the current building or spoken to anyone from there?

I received a Penalty Charge Notice through the post today :-( Did the banking at HSBC early and used the parking bay outside Barclays. Only by checking street view on Google maps can I now see the error of my ways. Note to self - read all parking signs before using any designated parking bay; the conditions may differ from those across the road, or immediately around the corner.