Three men have appeared in Aberdeen Sheriff Court accused of using devices resembling iPod Nanos to tamper with ATMs across the region, highlighting a rising pattern of low-tech fraud targeting bank customers and prompting calls for increased vigilance.
Surge in ATM Fraud: Recent Court Cases Highlight Growing Concerns
Recent court proceedings in Aberdeen have brought attention to a disturbing surge in Automated Teller Machine (ATM) fraud, exemplified by the case of three men accused of tampering with several cashpoints across the region. The incidents, which took place on a single Monday, featured the attachment of devices resembling iPod Nanos to the ATMs, a modus operandi which has become alarmingly common in the realm of financial crime.
On a notable day, law enforcement officials responded to three reported tampering incidents. One such device was discovered attached to an ATM outside the Co-op on Kingswood Drive in Kingswells. Additionally, a similar report emerged concerning the ATM outside the Morrisons Daily in Portlethen, where tampering was also suspected. Furthermore, a woman flagged an issue at the Co-op ATM on Redcloak Drive in Stonehaven, where her card was swallowed while attempting to withdraw cash.
In Aberdeen Sheriff Court, three men faced serious charges linked to these fraudulent activities. Stephen Joydan, aged 43, from Coventry, David Christyon, 37, from Beddington, and Thaushakrn Thurairajah, 42, from Crawley, were charged with multiple counts of theft and fraud. Notably, Joydan confronted charges including theft by opening an ATM, while Christyon faced additional accusations of attempting to pervert the course of justice. All three men, who have yet to enter a plea, were released on bail pending further examination of their cases.
Detective Constable Andy Yule, reflecting on the incidents, urged the public to remain vigilant when using ATMs and to report any unusual activity on their bank accounts. He emphasised the importance of being aware of devices attached to cash machines, which could signify a potential scam.
This spike in ATM fraud incidents is not an isolated occurrence. Just months earlier, Police Scotland arrested an individual in connection with a series of bank frauds across several major cities, including Aberdeen and Edinburgh. These criminals had allegedly defrauded bank customers of approximately £5,000, indicative of a broader trend where the total loss from similar fraudulent activities was speculated to be in the five-figure range.
The use of low-tech devices, such as equipment resembling iPods, underscores the creativity of fraudsters in targeting unwitting consumers. Historical reports from various sources have documented similar techniques, often involving the installation of devices that capture personal identification numbers (PINs) and card information. For instance, such devices were reported in a 2015 investigation, where they were used to record users entering their PINs at ATMs, demonstrating a worrying consistency in criminal tactics.
In the broader context, heightened reports of ATM fraud have prompted local authorities, including Police Scotland, to issue warnings to residents. In 2015, previous advisory notices highlighted the importance of vigilance and advocated covering the keypad when entering PINs to protect against prying eyes and hidden cameras.
As the cases in Aberdeen unfold, they serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing risks associated with electronic banking and the need for constant vigilance among consumers. The convergence of technological innovation and criminal ingenuity presents a complex challenge for law enforcement and financial institutions alike.
Reference Map:
- Paragraph 1 – [[1]](https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/crime-courts/6751584/three-in-court-accused-of-ipod-nano-cashpoint-fraud-at-three-north-east-spots/), [[4]](https://www.finextra.com/newsarticle/26909/thieves-use-ipod-nano-in-low-tech-atm-skimming-fraud)
- Paragraph 2 – [[1]](https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/crime-courts/6751584/three-in-court-accused-of-ipod-nano-cashpoint-fraud-at-three-north-east-spots/), [[5]](https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/aberdeen-aberdeenshire/6585860/pair-charged-following-aberdeen-bank-mass-fraud/)
- Paragraph 3 – [[2]](https://www.scotland.police.uk/what-s-happening/news/2024/september/pair-arrested-in-connection-with-fraud-at-numerous-bank-branches/), [[6]](https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/aberdeen-aberdeenshire/6286852/women-arrested-bank-card-thefts/)
- Paragraph 4 – [[3]](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/11437249/Fraudsters-use-iPods-and-3D-printers-to-target-cash-machines.html), [[4]](https://www.finextra.com/newsarticle/26909/thieves-use-ipod-nano-in-low-tech-atm-skimming-fraud)
- Paragraph 5 – [[7]](https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/aberdeen-aberdeenshire/858154/north-east-public-warned-atm-skimming/)
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/crime-courts/6751584/three-in-court-accused-of-ipod-nano-cashpoint-fraud-at-three-north-east-spots/ – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.scotland.police.uk/what-s-happening/news/2024/september/pair-arrested-in-connection-with-fraud-at-numerous-bank-branches/ – In September 2024, Police Scotland arrested a 40-year-old man and a 36-year-old woman in connection with a series of fraud incidents at bank branches in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Dalkeith. The pair were reported in connection with eight incidents between July and September 2024, involving the fraudulent theft of around £5,000 in cash. The total amount lost is estimated to be in the five-figure range. Further inquiries remain ongoing. ([scotland.police.uk](https://www.scotland.police.uk/what-s-happening/news/2024/september/pair-arrested-in-connection-with-fraud-at-numerous-bank-branches/?utm_source=openai))
- https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/11437249/Fraudsters-use-iPods-and-3D-printers-to-target-cash-machines.html – In February 2015, The Telegraph reported on a rise in ATM fraud, highlighting that thieves were using devices resembling iPod Nanos to record users’ PINs. These devices were attached to ATMs, often in conjunction with card-trapping devices, to capture card details and PINs. The article also discussed other methods, such as hidden cameras and fake keypads, used by fraudsters to steal card information. ([telegraph.co.uk](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/11437249/Fraudsters-use-iPods-and-3D-printers-to-target-cash-machines.html?utm_source=openai))
- https://www.finextra.com/newsarticle/26909/thieves-use-ipod-nano-in-low-tech-atm-skimming-fraud – In January 2015, Finextra reported on a case in Manchester where thieves used an iPod Nano attached to an ATM to record users entering their PINs. The device was duct-taped to the ATM’s outer housing, capturing video of customers’ PIN entries. This low-tech method was used in conjunction with a card-trapping device to steal card details. ([finextra.com](https://www.finextra.com/newsarticle/26909/thieves-use-ipod-nano-in-low-tech-atm-skimming-fraud?utm_source=openai))
- https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/aberdeen-aberdeenshire/6585860/pair-charged-following-aberdeen-bank-mass-fraud/ – In September 2024, two individuals were arrested and charged in connection with a series of bank frauds in Aberdeen and the central belt. The incidents involved the fraudulent theft of around £5,000 in cash from bank branches on Albyn Place and Union Street in Aberdeen. Further inquiries revealed a total of eight incidents across Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Dalkeith, with the total amount lost estimated to be in the five-figure range. ([pressandjournal.co.uk](https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/aberdeen-aberdeenshire/6585860/pair-charged-following-aberdeen-bank-mass-fraud/?utm_source=openai))
- https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/aberdeen-aberdeenshire/6286852/women-arrested-bank-card-thefts/ – In December 2023, two women were arrested and charged after a spree of bank card thefts in Aberdeen and Inverurie. Between November 29 and December 9, more than £2,300 was stolen following reports of stolen bank cards and purses, which were used to withdraw large amounts of cash from ATMs. The women, aged 29 and 52, were traced and charged in connection with the crimes and were due to appear at Aberdeen Sheriff Court on December 11, 2023. ([pressandjournal.co.uk](https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/aberdeen-aberdeenshire/6286852/women-arrested-bank-card-thefts/?utm_source=openai))
- https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/aberdeen-aberdeenshire/858154/north-east-public-warned-atm-skimming/ – In 2015, Police Scotland advised north-east residents to be cautious when using ATM cash-point machines following reports of card-skimming in Aberdeen. While no reports of victims were made, the public was urged to be vigilant, especially if cards were retained by the machine or if parts of the machine appeared out of place. Constable Bob McKinney emphasized the importance of covering the keypad when entering PINs and reporting any suspicious activity to the police. ([pressandjournal.co.uk](https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/aberdeen-aberdeenshire/858154/north-east-public-warned-atm-skimming/?utm_source=openai))
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative refers to recent court proceedings and details a specific incident occurring on a single Monday. It also mentions recent Police Scotland arrests for similar crimes. Some historical context is included for background, but the main crime and court activities appear to be current and not recycled from older press releases.
Quotes check
Score:
7
Notes:
Direct quotes from Detective Constable Andy Yule are provided. However, the earliest online source of these exact quotes was not located. While the narrative originates from reputable sources, it is possible that the quotes are original to this coverage.
Source reliability
Score:
7
Notes:
The narrative originates from a regional newspaper, the Press and Journal, which is established in Scotland and generally regarded as reliable for local news. However, for national or international standards, it may not carry the weight of major international news organisations.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claims about ATM fraud, including the use of devices resembling iPod Nanos, are in line with well-documented and recent law enforcement warnings. The reporting of multiple incidents, ongoing court cases, and official statements add credibility to the plausibility of the claims.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is based on recent and verifiable court proceedings and official sources. The techniques described for ATM fraud are plausible and align with police advisories. While the direct quotes are not independently verified, the overall reporting is credible and reflective of current events.
