rec'd some info at work from Securicor - thought that this may be a useful warning
http://www.saabscene.com/forum/images/smilies/eek.gif

"Please be aware of the following the next time you use an ATM: ~
Criminals are constantly inventing ever more ingenious methods of relieving
you of your cash. The latest scam involves thieves putting a thin,clear,rigid plastic
'sleeve' into the ATM card slot. When you insert your card, the machine
cannot read the magnetic strip information, so it keeps asking you to
re-enter your PIN number.
Meanwhile, someone behind you watches as you tap in your PIN number.
Eventually you may be inclined to give up, thinking the machine has
swallowed your card and you walk away.
The thieves remove the plastic
sleeve complete with your card, then proceed to empty your account.
The way to avoid this is to run your finger along the card slot before you put your card in. The sleeve has a couple of tiny prongs that the
thieves need to get the sleeve out of the slot; you should be able to feel these with your finger.
The police would like as many people as possible to be aware of this scam,
so please pass this information on to your friends and colleagues."

Similar(ish) thing on "Shops, Robbers and Videotapes" last night, where one robber would watch with binoculars(!) to get the pin number, a second would drop a fiver on the floor, and say to the victim - "'scuse me, you've dropped some money", and while the victim bends down to pick up the money, robber number 3 swipes the money and the card from the ATM - then is free to rob all money from the account.

To forestall any thieves from missusing my account i have a foolproof method of protection,two 9000's,there is never anything left for tea leaves.

You've been suckered by a hoax, read the following:

ATM Hoax chain letter (http://www.sophos.com/virusinfo/hoaxes/atmtheft.html)

err, it does not look like a hoax if you read the URL on Sophos!

http://www.snopes2.com/inboxer/scams/atmtheft.htm

This story has been going around for years - although there was a dummy ATM installed in some wall, which fooled a few people into releasing their pin numbers for criminal use - it was on Crimewatch.

Criminals aren't usually that patient. In London and most big cities they'll just wack you or pull a knife when you draw the cash - if it's quiet enough.

I was sceptical when I read this story in the first instance - if the ATM can not read the card it will not ask for the PIN.

Anyway, at 8.50am this morning, Radio 5 Live were reporting this "scam" and had some security expert from "cardwatch" speaking to them about this - referred to it by name - libyan loop or whatever it is called.

I'm still sceptical.

My lady has worked for one of the largest banks/building societies for 14 years, believe it,If we were told half the scams thats going on I think we would all go back to keeping it under the mattress.

talking of scams a work mate got caught with a good one at the weekend.........

Whilst getting ready to face the crowds in the local Asda at the weekend he was approached by an Indian guy........ would you like to buy a widescreen tv and video for £150.00.......he went to have a look a 32" sony and video all bubble wrapped........mmmmm he offers the guy £120 and the deal is struck..when he got it home he found he had bought an empty tv and video and 10 bricks.

and the moral of the story is......

Yes it's a chain hoax. Just try putting your card backwards or upside down into an ATM - the machine throws up an error message + spits it out if it can't read a mag strip or one that it recognises.

Anyway, there's a con that's hit a whole load of businesses and indiduals in today's post from "The Data Protection Agency". This organisation, or others with a similar name, is "requesting" a fee to register you under the Data Protection Act or face a £5,000 fine. Just pop it in an envelope to Trading Standards....

Can we heave a spill chuck on this bullytin bored?

Can we heave a spill chuck on this bullytin bored? *[/b]Spell check was a feature of a previous version but it was removed. I understand it is slated for inclusion in a later release.

In the meantime you should review your posts before pressing submit. Get a dictionary and look up words you are unsure of. If you are illiterate, ask a friend to help. If you are dyslexic then ask a friend to help. If you are lazy, that is not my problem. If you submit a post with an error, please return and edit the post.

Go and have a look at www.freespeling.com (http://www.freespeling.com) - I do not agree with this chap, but you should know your enemy

John - thanks for the link.

Mr Lawrence is a man after my own hart.

captin airo. Pleese note that promiscuous use of freespeling on this bored may lead 2 yor explushun.

I defy you to come up with an easier spelling of promiscuous that everyone can understand.

Promisskewuss.

My spelling's like the handling dynamics of my 93 on a twisty B road in the wet, at 60 mph.

Captain Aero, Your 93 is that good?
You must try mine!
Dave M