POLICE are investigating a credit card scam after a cloned card was used at a cash machine in Cockenzie and Port Seton.

Officers were alerted to the incident by bank staff after suspicions were raised about the ATM outside the Co-operative on Links Road.

Initial reports suggested a cloning device might have been fitted to the machine; however, it was later confirmed that the alarm had been raised by the use of a cloned card at the cash machine.

Millions of pounds are stolen by fraudsters every year using cloning equipment, which records card details from the metallic strip when it is used either to withdraw money from cash machines or make payments using card swipe devices.

The details, once copied, can be used to create a replica card and once they have successfully obtained the cardholder's details, fraudsters focus their attention on finding out the corresponding Personal Identification Number (PIN).

PINs can be compromised in two ways. Firstly, by shoulder surfing, when the fraudster stands behind the cardholder and looks over their shoulder as they enter their number. Secondly, there’s increasing evidence of micro cameras being concealed within the lighting or false trunking around the cash machine to focus on PIN entry. Real-time images are often transmitted to a receiver attached to a hand-held camera, typically within 100 metres of the cash machine.

The details will then be matched with the corresponding card data and used to create duplicate 'cloned' cards.

Police Scotland urged people to be on the alert when using their credit or debit cards, advising they should never allow them out of their sight and should shield their PIN as they enter it.

A police spokesman said: "We received a report on February 27 of a potential ATM cloning device being fitted to a store’s ATM on Links Road.

"Further investigations have discovered it has been a cloned card.

"Enquiries are ongoing."