Six incidents have been reported since mid-June across the Cleveland Police area, with three in Hartlepool, one in Stockton, and two in Redcar and Cleveland. "I urge all members of the Pay Point scheme to: STOP! Think Fraud and to check and double check the barcode, report the incident to police by calling 101 or 999 in an emergency and contact your Pay Point representative." Investigators believe the barcodes used in the scam were manipulated to withdraw funds from shop tills. Cleveland Police are conducting enquiries into each incident and are warning Pay Point operators and staff at convenience stores and post offices to stay alert to the threat and remain vigilant.