A sophisticated cash machine scam has been uncovered at Dundee University.
A skimming device and camera, which can be linked to overseas gangs, were found on the Royal Bank of Scotland ATM outside the university’s students’ union.
Hundreds of staff and students first heard about the swindle through the university’s internal communication network.
Those who used the cashpoint were advised to check their accounts carefully. However, it is not known how long the device was in place.
Criminals use skimming devices to get people’s bank details and raid their accounts.
A police spokesman said: ”We received a report of a suspicious device on an ATM in Balfour Street. Officers attended, the suspicious device was removed and the matter is under further inquiry.”
RBS said anyone who thinks they may have fallen victim of the scam should get in touch with their bank quickly.
A spokesman said: ”Fraud is an industry-wide issue and we work closely with police and other authorities to combat this crime. If anyone is concerned about any transaction they are carrying out, they should contact the bank as soon as possible.”
The device was removed by police around 8pm on Saturday, ahead of what would have been a busy night at the union.
Dundee University Students Association (DUSA) vice-president of communications Navid Gornall said there was no indication that any other cash machines around the building had been targeted.
”DUSA is currently working with Tayside Police to ascertain the exact time the device was installed and by whom,” he said. ”We know that the device was removed at approximately 8.15pm upon discovery by a student.
”The Clydesdale machine and the ATM on level four of the building were checked and found to be free from tampering.”
Last year it emerged that a Far East crime gang stealing money from the accounts of people in Dundee was being investigated by police.
The popular RBS branch at the students’ union is to close in April. The company said the decision to close was due to fewer people using the service. However, it did confirm that the ATM would remain in place.