Wellington Police are sounding the alarm after an increase in “card-skimming incidents” has resulted in thousands of dollars being stolen in the capital.

Wellington district operations manager, acting inspector Tim McIntosh said in the past week police have received 12 reports of skimming scams.

The scam involves a device with a camera being fixed to an ATM or payment terminal, which captures a user’s card data and PIN.

Wellingtonians have lost thousands of dollars in card-skimming scams over the past week. Photo / NZME

The card details are then used to create “fake payment cards and make unauthorised purchases or withdraw funds to steal from victim’s accounts”, police said.

“In some cases victims have lost over $5000,” McIntosh said.

Police said there are a number of precautions people can take to protect themselves, including looking out for tampering at ATMs, blocking your PIN number with your hand when making a payment, and regularly checking your accounts to make sure no unfamiliar payments have been taken.

“If you believe you have been victim to card skimming, please contact your bank immediately and cancel your cards and accounts,” police said.