WARNING ATM Fraud in Lane Cove

This week the North Shore Local Area Command reported that some elderly bank customers were the victims of ATM Fraud.

This is the report on the LAC Facebook site

Around 3.00pm on Monday 8th February attended a bank located on Burns Bay Road, Lane Cove after it was reported that two males had attempted to commit fraud on two elderly customers using the ATM at the location between 1.30pm to 1.40pm.

Staff at the bank reviewed CCTV footage with police and observed two males of possibly Middle Eastern or Columbian. It is alleged that the males attempted to commit the fraud by distracting the elderly customers, taking their cards out of the ATM and swiping the card, using what appears to be a hand held skimming device.

One of the elderly customers was able to take possession of one of the male’s wallets, later handing it in to police while reporting the incident.

Police are currently investigating the incident and reviewing CCTV footage.

Police would like to remind the community about their personal safety when attending ATM’s to withdraw or bank money. It is important to remain vigilant and be aware of persons in the vicinity when using an ATM. If you feel unsafe to use an ATM to carry out your banking, then it may be a safer option to use the bank during opening hours and withdraw money from a bank teller. Also ensure you put any money promptly into your wallet or bag.

Well done to the customer who managed to obtain one of the offender’s details.

Steps to minimise ATM fraud

Here are a few steps you can take when to combat ATM Fraud:

  • Ensure that no one can observe you entering your PIN when using the ATM. To protect your PIN details, cover your hand when entering your PIN at an ATM.
  • Be discreet when withdrawing cash at an ATM.
  • Do not continue the transaction if the person behind you is standing too close.
  • Take a good look at the ATM before beginning your transaction.  Criminals have been known to put their own card reader on top of the terminal’s card reader to capture the information on any card inserted into it.  If the machine looks different, or if you suspect that it has been tampered with or has a device protruding from it, do not use the ATM and notify your bank of the problem.
  • Minimise the time spent at the ATM by having your card out and ready to use. If the ATM is in use, give the person using the terminal the privacy you would expect from others. Allow them to move away from the ATM before you approach the terminal.
  • Do not count or display any money you receive from the ATM. Immediately put your money into your pocket or purse and count it later.

ATM security lane cove

 

Have you been the victim of ATM fraud in Lane Cove?  Have you seen any suspicious behaviour in Lane Cove near an ATM machine?  Let us know.

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