The statement issued this morning by Victorian Police stated that the three men sought may have travelled from Sydney to use fake cards at ATMs in Melbourne and could have links to a major crime syndicate in NSW involved in card skimming.

David Bell, Chief Executive of the ABA, said:”Just like the police, we would encourage anyone who has seen these men or can identify them to contact Crime Stoppers. We are hoping that the police can make some quick arrests with the assistance of the public. If you have any information, call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or go online to www.crimestoppers.com.au.”

Mr Bell has repeated assurances that bank customers are not liable for unauthorised transactions on their accounts when they become victims of skimming crimes.

Skimming is the unauthorised copying of information stored on the magnetic strip of debit and credit cards. Criminals can then create a counterfeit card or use the skimmed information to complete fraudulent transactions in retail outlets, on the Internet, or at ATMs.

David Bell, Chief Executive of the ABA, said: “When skimming is suspected, banks will conduct an investigation and funds are restored to customers – the innocent victims of this crime.  In other words, the bank wears the loss.”

“Banks take security seriously and have computer systems in place to constantly monitor transactions. If a transaction is identified as suspicious, it will be investigated to ensure there is no breach of security.   In order to address the risk of skimmed data being used to commit fraud using counterfeit cards, banks may suspend or cancel cards when a skimming risk has been identified.”

In addition to the protection provided by bank security measures, bank customers can take some simple precautions to protect themselves against card skimming:

• Always be careful to shield your PIN when using an ATM or EFTPOS terminal. Use a free hand to cover the key pad while you enter your PIN.
   
• You should treat your card like it is cash and make sure you never lose sight of it. If possible, don’t give your card to a waiter or shop assistant and let them walk out of your sight.
  
  
• Be vigilant in checking your statements. Always report any unauthorised or suspicious transactions billed to your account and contact your bank immediately, even if the unauthorised transaction is a very small amount.
  
  
• Make it a priority to get your card back after completing a purchase. Sometimes cards are intentionally retained by salespeople in order to later commit fraud.