Police chiefs in Ayrshire are warning of a potential rise in fraud and theft ahead of changes to contactless card payments next week.
From October 15, the limit on payments will rise from £45 to £100.
And that has sparked fears of criminals targeting cards for thefts which means they could access hundreds of pounds per day.
Now police are warning the public to be on their guard ahead of the changes coming in next Friday.
Chief Inspector Brian Shaw, from Ayrshire Policing Division, said: “With the limit for contactless payments increasing to £100, it is feasible that criminals may try and exploit this opportunity.
"I would therefore encourage people to consider the security of their bank cards at all times and to ensure they have a plan in place to respond immediately should their cards be lost or stolen.
“Our website has additional advice you can follow on how best to keep your cards and personal belongings safe, including helpful reminders like guarding your cards when making a transaction, shielding your PIN when withdrawing money from cash machines and keeping your cards safe and concealed when in your possession.
"You can visit our website at scotland.police.uk ”
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