Update on Oxford parking machine payment scams from police
Fraudsters have been targeting car park users at Oxford's Worcester Street car park with card skimming devices, taking money from their accounts shortly after the machine is used.
The issue was first reported by Oxford City Council, who operate the car park, in June, after three customers reported money taken or attempts for it to be taken from their accounts.
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Thames Valley Police for Oxford have said the city centre neighbourhood team has been paying extra visits to the car park to keep on top of it.
A spokesperson said: "The Oxford city central neighbourhood ream have been patrolling in response to reports of skimming devices discovered on contactless payment points across Oxford City Centre, as reported by Oxford City Council.
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"We urge everyone to be vigilant when using contactless payment points at any pay machines, including those at petrol stations.
"Always check the machine before using it and report any suspicious activity to the police immediately."
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Card skimming devices are fitted over the card payment point on a machine and can capture card data without the card owner's knowledge, allowing scammers to take funds from the account.
The city council earlier said they have reported the incidents to the police and initiated increased inspections on all council-owned pay machines.
They've also instructed enforcement officers to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity and have made the public aware of the fraud risks.
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