COMMUTERS are being warned about an increasing number of card scanning devices being fitted by crime gangs at Tube and rail ticket machines.

Police today (March 1) launched a drive to alert Londoners to the trend.

People are being warned to be extra vigilant at unmanned stations, cover the keypad when they enter their PIN, cancel the transaction if someone appears to be watching you and alert a staff member if a machine looks to be tampered with.

They are also advised to check their bank statement regularly for any dubious transactions.

Met officers have joined forces with the British Transport Police and Transport for London to tackle the problem.

Det Ch Insp Paul Barnard, heading the drive, said: “Officers from our specialist unit, are working very closely with TFL and BTP to ensure that these fraudsters will not benefit from their criminal activity.”

Commuters are being reassured they will get their money back from their bank or building society if they are the innocent victim of fraud.

Contact the police or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 with any information.