Man charged following series of ATM frauds including Hitchin

A man has been charged with fraud offences after a Hitchin ATM scam.

The action was carried out by Hertfordshire Constabulary's Serious Fraud and Cyber Unit, following a detailed investigation of several ATM frauds across the county.

The thefts were carried out after devices were fitted to cash machines, which made it appear that the machines had retained cards inserted into them. The devices also recorded the PIN when entered by unsuspecting victims.

Isidor Martinca, aged 35, of Collard Avenue, Loughton, has been charged with seven fraud offences, two thefts and possession of an article for use in fraud. He was remanded into custody and is due to appear at St Albans Crown Court on 3 October. 

Investigator Alan Mordey, from Hertfordshire Constabulary's Serious Fraud and Cyber Unit, said: "Following our investigation, which was supported by experts within the banking industry, it appears that devices were used to trap victims' bank cards and record the PIN as it was entered.

"The card and devices were then recovered by the perpetrator/s who later used the stolen cards and PINs at other ATMs.

"The offences occurred in Radlett, Hitchin, Royston and Welwyn Garden City between the 29 May and 16 July 2022.

"We believe that there may be more people affected by this type of fraud, so if you believe you have been a victim of ATM fraud, please contact us."

You can report information online at herts.police.uk/report, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via their online web chat at herts.police.uk/contact or call the non-emergency number 101, quoting crime reference 41/B2/18406/22.

Alternatively, you can stay 100% anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form at crimestoppers-uk.org. 

Please take the following precautions when using cash machines:

 Always look closely at the card insertion point of a cash machine before using it. If it looks like it may have been tampered with, do not use it.

If you realise the machine has been tampered with after you have inserted your card, call your bank while still standing at the cash machine if it is safe to do so.

Always shield your hand when entering your PIN into a cash point keypad.

If the machine retains your card or fails to dispense cash you have withdrawn, without a suitable explanation message on the screen, contact your bank immediately and then police on our non-emergency number 101.