HUNDREDS of people may have become victims of a hi-tech ‘skimming’ fraud after cash machines in Weymouth were tampered with.

Evidence has emerged of a gang cloning bank cards and making unauthorised transactions.

More than 50 customers have contacted one bank alone after money was taken from their accounts, although it is understood a number of other banks have been affected as well.

Because customers are contacting their banks directly and not the police, the total number of customers affected and the amounts being stolen is not known.

Police are also unsure of the specific ATM locations where the fraudsters have targeted but it is believed to be more than one in the town centre.

Skimming works when a device is secretly fitted to the card reader at an ATM to enable it to read the magnetic strip without the user’s knowledge.

At the same time a miniature camera is attached on or near the machine so it can record when someone types in their personal identification number (PIN).

The fraudsters then transfer the PIN and card information onto a fake card which is used overseas at cash machines in countries that do not use the chip and PIN system operating in the UK.

The Echo has learnt that money has been taken out of bank accounts in Weymouth in the past few days by someone using one of these cards in Thailand.

Detectives who specialise in hi-tech crimes of this nature say it is unlikely a gang will be able to withdraw money from someone’s account straight after skimming an ATM because of the time it takes to clone a card – so the gang could have operated in Weymouth a fortnight ago before moving somewhere else.

Det Sgt Richard Philp of Dorset Police’s economic crime unit said: “We are carrying out inquiries with a local branches of banks as part of an investigation into rep-orts of card skimming offences.”

The Echo contacted a number of high street banks with branches in Weymouth but they would not confirm whether any of their customers had fallen victim to the scam.

But they advised customers to be vigilant and to report any suspicious activity.

President of the Weymouth and Portland Chamber of Commerce Andy Cooke, himself the victim of similar scams in the past, backed the calls for vigilance.

He said: “This will be of serious concern to people if it’s happening at cash points.

“Unfortunately we live in a world where there are a lot of crooks about and there are opportunities for them to operate.

“In my experience, having had something similar happen to me on two occasions, I have found the banks to be very helpful.

“If money has been fraudulently taken from your account the bank will help you.”

People who suspect money has been taken from their account fraudulently are advised to contact their bank.

• Were you a victim? Let us know. Call newsdesk on 01305 830999 or email newsdesk@dorsetecho.co.uk

Tips to avoid cash thefts

• Where possible, use cash machines with which you are most familiar. Alternatively, choose well-lit, well-placed cash machines where you feel comfortable

• Scan the whole cash machine area before you approach it. Avoid using the cash machine altogether if there are any suspicious-looking individuals around or if it looks too isolated

• Check that other people in the queue keep an acceptable distance from you. Be on the look-out for people who might be watching you enter your PIN

• Stand close to the cash machine and shield the keypad with your other hand when keying in your PIN

• Check to see if anything looks unusual about the cash machine indicating it might have been tampered with. If you suspect anything, inform the bank