THE number of people caught up in the international card cloning scam which has surged through Hillingdon is now believed to be into its hundreds.
Since the tail-end of last week, startled shoppers have been receiving phonecalls from their banks alerting them to the fact money hasbeen taken, or there has been an attempt to withdraw cash in far-flung countries such as Malaysia, Uganda, and Canada.
The common denominator in the scam is that all the shoppers seem to have shopped at the Somerfields store and Texaco garage at Lees Corner on Uxbridge Road, Hillingdon.
Darren Taylor, of Collingwood Road, Hillingdon, said: "This is far more than 50 people, this is mad, it is easily into the hundreds.
"I know 10 people alone who have been affected.
"I lost £136 which was taken out in Malaysia, but it isn't just that, its the grief it causes of having to get new cards and pin codes ordered."
He is among a number of shoppers who claim not to have used the cashpoint but feels his card must have been skimmed inside the store.
Dave Kilding, of Iver, said: "I only used my card inside, it is one thing for an outside to do something but if the staff are involved then its a lot more sinister.
One woman who asked not to be named, works in an office in Hayes Town Centre and claims all four people in her team have had money taken after using the store.
Sian Roberts, 37, of Brambles Farm Drive, Uxbridge, said: "I always use my card inside the shop, I never use the cashpoint, this is outrageous."
One woman who asked not to be named also claims to have lost as much as £635.
Have you been affected? Call the newsdesk on 01895 451030 or e-mail dancoombs@trinitysouth.co.uk
