THIS morning (Wednesday) the Gazette's newsdesk has been deluged with calls from victims of the credit card cloning scam which has swept Hillingdon.
Shoppers have been shocked by phonecalls from their banks asking them if they were attempting to withdraw money in areas as far reaching as Malaysia, Canada, and Uganda.
The card-cloning is believed to have originated at the Somerfield's and Texaco petrol garage, in Lees Road, Hillingdon, but residents are now claiming it could also have spread to further afield.
Sharon Howard, of Woodcroft Crescent, Hillingdon, said: "I got a phonecall asking if I was in Malaysia, it makes me worried.
"The bank stopped any money being withdrawn, I won't use credit cards at that store in future."
Debra Spender, of Cherry Grove, Hillingdon, said: "My card was used in Uganda, they tried to take £80 but the bank stopped it, I may shop there again but I won't pay on my card."
Kate Wilson, who works as a communications advisor at Hillingdon Hospital, said: "My mum, my father-in-law and myself have all been victims of this too and I couldn't work out what the connection was and it was Somerfields ATM.
"Luckily all our banks were fantastic and stopped the cards immediately and didn't let them take any money in Canada or Columbia.
Shoppers have also contacted the Gazette indicating that the cashpoint is not the only problem at the store, as they claim the card skimming is taking place inside the store.
One woman who asked to remain anonymous, who lives on Long Lane, said: 'I only used my card inside and my card was used in Malaysia twice, fortunately the bank stopped it.
"I won't go there no more, I'll pay the extra to go across the road to Marks and Spencer and I'll only use cash."
Have you been affected? Contact the newsdesk on 01895 451030
