ATM Skimming

Police release CCTV images as investigations into ATM card skimming continue - Strike Force Bournemouth

Tuesday, 10 December 2013 11:57:13 AM

Police conducting ongoing investigations into a card skimming gang targeting automatic teller machines (ATMs) in NSW have released new CCTV images of a number of people they believe can assist with their inquiries.

Strike Force Bournemouth is a Fraud and Cybercrime Squad investigation established in June this year after an increase in card skimming activities. Assistance has also been provided by the Central, North West and South West Metropolitan Regions.

Police believe up to three separate groups with links to Romania are involved in the installation of sophisticated skimming devices on to ATMs across the Sydney metropolitan area. The devices copy the card details, while a tiny video records the victim entering their personal identification number (PIN).

Two people have been arrested by police so far and remain before the court, but investigations are continuing to locate and arrest other members of the groups.

The latest group detected by authorities are using the very latest in miniature skimming technology, meaning suspect devices are particularly difficult to detect. They have struck ATMs at Narellan, Mosman and Five Dock.

Detectives are continuing to work closely with financial institutions to detect the car skimmers and any unauthorised transactions on customer accounts.

As Strike Force Bournemouth investigations continue, police are also asking members of the public to help them locate a number of people they believe can assist them with their inquiries.

They have released CCTV images of those people who are all described as being males of Caucasian appearance.

Anyone with information to assist police should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: https://www1.police.nsw.gov.au/. Information you provide will be treated in the strictest of confidence.

We remind people they should not report crime information via our Facebook and Twitter pages.

Meanwhile, police are reminding members of the public of the following safety tips to reduce their risk of being targeted by card skimmers at ATMs:

• Be alert when approaching an ATM and take your time to visually inspect the machine prior to inserting your card for any suspicious device or covering in the vicinity of the card reader. Any illicit addition to the ATM will generally be similar in colour to the original ATM, but on closer inspection it may be obvious a device has been fitted;

• If you notice something suspicious, report it to the owner of the ATM immediately and don't conduct any transactions;

• Always use your hand or an item to cover your PIN when entering it;

• Be vigilant and inspect your bank statements for unauthorised transactions and report any unauthorised transactions immediately to your bank and the police

• Wherever possible when conducting ATM or EFTPOS transactions, maintain sight of your card; and

• Report any people acting suspiciously around ATMs to the police.