Mayor Stephen Mandel has proclaimed March 1st as Change Your Pin Day in Edmonton.

Police are encouraging Edmontonians to change their banking PIN numbers Thursday to help prevent fraud.

In March, a month-long campaign aimed at cracking down on what's become a growing problem in Edmonton kicks off.

Just last month, police issued an arrest warrant for ten men accused of skimming more than half a million dollars from at least 900 bank accounts in Edmonton. The fraudulent activity was traced back to Montréal where police believe the suspects were based.

Interac officials say the chip-enabled cards offer more protection but not every business has the machines that allow for that technology.

Police say anyone can change their PIN number at most chartered banks in the city.

With files from Laura Tupper