In a statement a spokesperson for the force explained: “Over the weekend the National Republican Guard [GNR] detected situations of ‘Cash Trapping’ at ATMs located in the municipality of Loulé.”
It went on to explain that the scam consists of the illicit obstruction of the notes being withdrawn by covering the outflow slot with a metal plate or piece of plastic covered with a sticky substance.
The illegally-placed ‘foreign element’ “serves to prevent the outflow of notes, leading users to believe that the machine is not working properly and is not dispensing the money.
“As a rule the users leave the site and the suspects, who are nearby watching, collect the money.”
With the scam in mind as well as the growing number of ATM users due to the looming summer season, the GNR is advising members of the public to “make sure that ATM machines are in perfect condition and show no signs of having been vandalised, altered or modified before use.”
The force also advises users to “ensure the card insertion slot is in good condition, as well as the point of exit of the notes, and in the case of a machine malfunction, do not accept outside help and inform the authorities, waiting at the site (if safe) until the authorities arrive.”