Cheshire police received just 13 reports of ATM skimming in 2014 and 2015.
The locations of the ATMs allegedly targeted by greedy fraudsters were released to the Chronicle by the force following a request under the Freedom of Information Act.
Only two of the reports relate to cash points in Cheshire West – and both are on Chester's Hoole Road, according to the figures.
How does skimming work?
Skimming devices retain bank cards making it seem like they have been swallowed by the machine, while small cameras capture unsuspecting ATM users’ PIN numbers as they are entered.
The scammers can then retrieve the cards and use the PIN numbers to withdraw funds from their victims’ accounts.
Of the five areas in the county reportedly targeted – Chester, Crewe, Runcorn, Widnes and Warrington – Widnes came off worst, claiming six of the 13 alleged offences and all on the same road, Albert Street.
No reports of this type of crime were recorded in Ellesmere Port, Northwich and Winsford over the past two calendar years.
Five of the reports were logged in 2014, while the other eight were from last year.
Police warning
Cheshire police are urging members of the public to be alert to any suspicious activity when using cash machine points.
Operation Astoria has been put in place by the Constabulary’s Economic Crime Unit to concentrate on crime related to ATMs
DC Tony Condon, from the unit, said: “ATM users often don’t know they are victims until they realise their account balance has reduced more than normal.
“We’d advise all members of the public to be vigilant when using a cash machine and to be aware of any suspicious activity around cash points.
“When using an ATM, it is highly recommended that people conceal their PIN number from view as the fraudsters rely on either seeing your PIN number or catching it on devices which they have deployed.”
Anyone with information about this type of crime should contact Cheshire police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
To report fraud, contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.
