You can never be too careful with your PIN numbers

POLI ISSUE ADVICE AGAINST SUPERMARKET CARPARK SCAM

07 March 2012 14:47

Police Issue Advice Against Supermarket Carpark Scam

Police have again issued a warning to shoppers to be aware of a scam being carried out in supermarket car parks in Warwickshire.

In the ruse people are usually approached as they are transferring their shopping into the car. They are approached by a stranger, sometimes carrying a map, who asks for directions to somewhere. If they have a map they open it right out, giving cover to an accomplice to approach the car unseen. The destination they are seeking is usually some distance away (for example in Leamington a stranger asked a shopper for directions to Milton Keynes).

As the shopper tries to assist the stranger, the accomplice accesses the shopper’s handbag and steals bank cards from the purse.

It is believed they will have been standing close to the shopper as they pay for their goods in the store using their bank card – enabling them to see the PIN number for the card.

In recent weeks incidents have been reported in Leamington, Kenilworth and in Stratford. In one incident in the car park of Tescos in Stratford on 14 February two bank cards were stolen from a shoppers purse, which was in her handbag on the front seat of the car. A total of £6000 was withdrawn from her account within a few short hours.

In order to reduce the chances of becoming a target for this scam police advise:-

· Always cover the number pad when entering your PIN when purchasing goods or when withdrawing money from a cash point.

· Be aware if there is someone standing close to you in the payment queue, or if there is someone at the other end of payment aisle who appears to be waiting for someone.

· Place your bank cards carefully back inside your purse and place the purse well down inside your handbag or shopping bag before you leave the counter. Secure the fastening on your handbag or shopping bag.

· At your car, if you place your handbag inside your car make sure it is not easily reachable – for example place it on to the back seat with the back doors locked. Make sure all the doors of the car are closed while you put your shopping in the boot.

· If you are approached by someone asking for directions be cautious, especially if the destination they are seeking is a long way away.

· Never ever give your PIN number to anyone. Even your bank will not ask for your PIN number.