LOUGHTON: Probe launched into credit card "scam"

11:51am Thursday 15th May 2008

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Fraudsters have stolen thousands of pounds from customers at one of the district's busiest petrol stations.

They have been targeting people who use the BP Connect garage in The Broadway, in Loughton.

As a result, hordes of worried people have been forced to check their bank accounts, amid fears they have been cleared out by the crooks.

The problem is so serious that banking giant HSBC has urged all customers who might have used the garage since May 1 to visit their local branch to check their balances.

HSBC spokesman Tim Pie said investigations were ongoing, but that the fraud was likely to have been made possible due to a skimming device' mounted on a cashpoint or a card-reading machine.

He said all customers who had recently used their bank card at the site should visit the bank as a "precautionary measure".

He also advised people to conceal their PIN numbers at checkouts and at cashpoints, adding: "Unfortunately we are facing an on-going battle with this type of crime. But I can assure any of our customers who might have been affected that they will get their money back, and quickly."

Nigel Saxon, 50, a warehouse security guard of Hillyfields, in Loughton, was called to check his account at the Loughton High Road branch following a suspect transaction recorded in Germany.

He was relieved to discover that none of his money had been taken, but he spoke to many others queuing at the branch who said their accounts had been cleared of thousands of pounds.

He said: "A lot of people were panicking and were on their mobile phones asking relatives if they could borrow money to pay their bills. It was all very stressful."

BP spokesman Mark Salt told the Guardian: "We are in the process of investigating complaints of cards being compromised at this site. This is something BP takes extremely seriously.

"Additional security measures have been installed on the CHIP & PIN machines at BP forecourts to try and alleviate the problem of credit card fraud.

"Shrouds have been installed on the machines to protect the PIN number of the customers.

"By having the PIN pad covered, it makes it more difficult for criminals to access the PIN numbers."

He said the company "constantly reviewed" security at the site, but added: "We apologise to customers for the inconvenience caused."

An Essex Police spokesman said: "Police are liaising with the BP in Loughton following a recent spate of incidents whereby motorists who have visited the garage have had unusual and illegal withdrawals of money from their accounts.

"Neighbourhood police are concerned at the spike and are working with managers at The Broadway garage."

Anyone who thinks they may have been a victim of credit card fraud at the petrol station should call police on 0300 333 4444.

Have you been conned, or contacted by your bank and asked to check your account?

Call our newsdesk on 01992 572285 or email jcolasanti@london.newsquest.co.uk