Sophisticated ATM skimmer uncovered
(20 May 2010 – Australia) A ‘sophisticated’ ATM skimmer has been uncovered in South Yarra Melbourne, causing panic that many others may be operating in the region.
The skimmer, located by a customer, was attached to a Commonwealth Bank ATM in Melbourne and featured a pinhole camera attached to a plate above the keypad and a fake card reader attached to the card slot.
Fears have arisen that thousands may have been ripped off in the latest scam, as police appeal to the public to come forward if they have been targeted by illegal operation.
Detective Sgt Phil Egan said that police didn't know how long the skimming device had been in place.
Until people come forward to advise the authorities, we won't have any idea how long this device has been there, Mr Egan said.
The police are asking for potential customers that may have used that machine in the time prior to lunchtime on Wednesday to check their statements for discrepancies, Mr Egan added.
The next step for the police would be to review hours of footage to locate the time and persons responsible.
Mr Egan noted that the police were keeping an open mind on who had planted the device, but described it as sophisticated.
However, the police have highlighted that at this stage no customers have come forward to say they are victims.
The horror of the latest attack could have similar consequences to the case last year in which the ANZ reported more than A$500,000 was stolen from up to 5000 cards from a single busy ATM in the heart of the CBD.
That device had been in place for at least a month on the corner of Collins and Elizabeth streets, before it was discovered in March last year.
Fears have arisen that thousands may have been ripped off in the latest scam, as police appeal to the public to come forward if they have been targeted by illegal operation.
Detective Sgt Phil Egan said that police didn't know how long the skimming device had been in place.
Until people come forward to advise the authorities, we won't have any idea how long this device has been there, Mr Egan said.
The police are asking for potential customers that may have used that machine in the time prior to lunchtime on Wednesday to check their statements for discrepancies, Mr Egan added.
The next step for the police would be to review hours of footage to locate the time and persons responsible.
Mr Egan noted that the police were keeping an open mind on who had planted the device, but described it as sophisticated.
However, the police have highlighted that at this stage no customers have come forward to say they are victims.
The horror of the latest attack could have similar consequences to the case last year in which the ANZ reported more than A$500,000 was stolen from up to 5000 cards from a single busy ATM in the heart of the CBD.
That device had been in place for at least a month on the corner of Collins and Elizabeth streets, before it was discovered in March last year.
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