Canary wharf tube station hit by card cloning equipment

By Rob Virtue on April 17, 2008 11:27 AM |

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EAGLE-EYED Tube staff who spotted skimming devices on cash machines could have prevented thousands of Wharfers from becoming fraud victims.

The incidents – which happened over the weekend and coincided with the London Marathon – have led police to warn bank machine users at Canary Wharf Jubilee line station to stay alert.

A member of staff discovered a device on a cash machine on Friday (April 11) at 8pm and called British Transport Police officers, who cordoned off the area.

A second device was found at around 5pm on Sunday – one of the busiest weekend days for the area.

The skimming equipment was discovered before the fraudsters could use the information.

Det Sgt Neil Black, of BTP’s specialist Credit Card Fraud Unit, said: “We are now forensically examining the device and collecting DNA evidence to try to determine the identity of the person who placed this device onto the ATM.

“The professional fraudsters can encode the stolen details onto cards such as mobile phone top-up cards that have a magnetic strip on the back and then use them to withdraw money or make purchases.”

It is not the first time Canary Wharf Tube station has been hit by fraudsters. In 2006, London Underground worker Anthony Tomlinson, then 37, was found guilty of using a skimming machine behind the counter to defraud customers.

The charge related to incidents between March 2003 and December 2004. However, Tomlinson escaped jail and was sentenced to 150 hours of community service instead.

Following the latest incident police are looking for information to catch the fraudsters.
DS Black said: “I am appealing for anyone who has any information that may assist with our investigation to come forward.

“We are reviewing CCTV from the station and are working to trace any witnesses. Anyone who was at the station or who saw anyone acting suspiciously around an ATM is asked to contact police.”

The officer has also urged cash machine users to look for anything unusual when taking money out in Canary Wharf.

Users must also shield their PIN with your hand and not use the machines when someone is loitering.

If you have information call BTP on 0800 40 50 40 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.