Police are reportedly investigating after London Underground passengers reported being targeted by card-skimming devices attached to ticket machines at stations. Victims have reported unauthorised withdrawals from their bank accounts after using the machines.
Passengers Report Fraudulent Withdrawals
A Reddit user warned that they believed they had been a victim of skimming fraud at Piccadilly Circus Underground station, which is served by the Piccadilly and Bakerloo lines. The user described finding a discreet skimmer attached to a ticket machine while trying to top up their Oyster card, which attempted to take £250 as an ATM withdrawal. They also said the contactless function had been deactivated, forcing them to insert their card. According to the user, Transport for London staff said it was the third such incident.
Another Reddit user reported a similar scam at St Paul’s Underground station on the Central line. They said the ticket machine would not accept contactless payment or payment by PIN, and that a £500 withdrawal was later made from a cash machine in the area. After reporting the incident to British Transport Police and Transport for London, the user said their bank refunded the money.
Police Investigation Underway
According to the Metro, British Transport Police have arrested a number of individuals in connection with Underground station tampering. Detective Inspector Marvin Bruno said: “We’re leading an investigation following recent reports of fraudulent transactions on some ticket machines in London Underground stations. We have already arrested people in connection, and our enquiries into the fraudulent activity are continuing at pace. We continue to work closely with Transport for London and partner agencies to identify those responsible and prevent further offending.”
Transport for London is assisting police with their investigations, the Metro reported. The newspaper also said a French businessman had more than £1,500 stolen after using an affected machine at Piccadilly Circus. Etienne Bouvier, who had been visiting London for work, spotted two cash withdrawals of £800 made at an ATM after he had left the capital, with both transactions recorded as happening in the City of London. Mr Bouvier is reportedly struggling to have the stolen cash refunded.
