The latest ATM scam involves thieves putting a thin, clear,rigid plastic 'sleeve' into the ATM card slot.

When you insert your card, the machine can't read the strip, so it keeps asking you to re-enter your PIN number.

Meanwhile, someone behind you watches as you tap in your number. Eventually you give up, thinking the machine has swallowed your card and you walk away.

The thieves then remove the plastic sleeve complete with card, and empty your account. The way to avoid this is to run your finger along the card slot before you put your card in.

The sleeve has a couple of tiny prongs that the thieves need to get the sleeve out of the slot, and you'll be able to feel them.

The police would like as many people as possible to be aware of this scam, so pass this on to your friends.