It's a brave new digital world out there, but as our tech-savvy members would know, some unwanted risks come with all the otherwise great perks of the internet. One of the most troubling on the list is the threat of cybercrime.

Recently, in a joint effort by Australian and US authorities, five foreign nationals were apprehended for an alleged high-tech bank fraud involving ATM skimmers and fake bank cards.

Australian Federal Police Detective Superintendent Tim Stainton, reacting to the arrest, highlighted how pervasive cybercrime has become.

'Australia remains a lucrative target for cybercriminals, and in this digital age, we know that personal data has become incredibly valuable to criminals,' he stated.

‘We're well advanced in terms of their activities and are monitoring them on an ongoing basis.’

Five individuals have been arrested over alleged bank fraud. Credit: Eduardo Soares/Unsplash

These five individuals were allegedly part of the same international crime ring earlier investigated by the United States Secret Service (USSS).

The syndicate had reportedly identified Australia as an opportune target.

Earlier this year, the USSS arrested five Romanian nationals allegedly targeting US citizens receiving welfare benefits via electronic benefits transfer cards.

According to authorities, the alleged offenders installed ATM skimmers to clone victims' electronic benefits transfer card details and PINs. At the start of each month, the crime syndicate re-encoded the cloned bank cards to visit ATMs and withdraw the newly loaded funds.

Acting on information from their US counterparts, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) traced suspicious packages believed to contain ATM skimmers sent from China, Britain and the US to these offenders.

The AFP and New South Wales Police also raided a short-term rental property in Rhodes, Sydney, where they seized $12,935 in cash, skimming devices, false identity documents, including passports, bank cards in other people's names, electronic devices, card readers, SIM cards, and handheld electrical tools.

After further investigation, an alleged syndicate branch was uncovered operating in Brisbane. This led to the arrest of two syndicate members attempting to withdraw funds using cloned cards from an ATM under surveillance.

Meanwhile, two Romanian nationals, a 33-year-old man and a 32-year-old woman, recently appeared in Parramatta Local Court, Sydney. They've been charged with crimes under the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act and face a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment if found guilty.

Other arrested nationals, one Romanian and one Polish, face a maximum penalty of up to 14 years in prison. Another Romanian national is facing a maximum prison sentence of 5 years if found guilty.

All are due to appear in court over the coming months.

Key Takeaways

• Five foreign nationals have been arrested in Australia for an alleged plot involving ATM skimmers and fake bank cards.
• The syndicate was reportedly part of an international crime ring previously investigated by the United States Secret Service.
• Identity information has become increasingly targeted by criminals, with Australia, in particular, being seen as a lucrative target.
• The alleged offenders were caught using ATM skimmers to clone victims' card details and later withdraw funds from the victims' accounts.

It’s essential to know how to prevent these bank frauds and scams, which come in various forms. The key is awareness and preparation.

To help you out, ANZ Australia has shared some tips to avoid being a victim of scams.

Watch this video below:

This case serves as a reminder for our members to always keep their guard up regarding personal information and bank details. If a message or an email appears suspicious, do not click on any links or provide any personal data.

Stay vigilant and stay safe, members.

What do you think of this story, dear members? Do you have other tips to avoid being scammed? Share them in the comments below!

 

[Ingedepiep]

I was skimmed years ago walking around a shopping centre. Someone was obviously sitting on a seat with a skimming device. The bank closed my account without my knowledge, as it picked it up. Had to wait for days for a new card.
Every since then, I use a RFID wallet.

What is a RFID wallet?

 

[Bricat]

Upon checking my bank statement yesterday I found an amount of $9.95 taken out of my account by Aus Vehicle Check Com Windsor. On checking my previous statements ( I know, my fault - should have been more thorough ), this had been going on for 2 months. I had used the website to check when my car registration was due for the fee of .50 cents, so obviously I submitted my bank details and two days later an amount of $ 9.95 had been taken out of my account plus another two amounts in the months following. I know this is only a small amount of money, but this is probably happening to many more people. On contacting my bank i was told the only way out was to cancel my card, which is a nuisance, and now I am in the process of having to contact all who are entitled payments. Again, compared to many who have lost thousand I should not be complaining, but please read the fine print before giving bank details and check your bank statements diligently - I know I will be in the future.

I was in this site this morning but thought it looked dodgy wanting 50c, so the only thing they've got is a rego number for a trailer! The site is clearly a scam site so good to warn others of it. So if you need to check your rego expiry, go to the government sites - you don't have to pay to check your rego expiry. Which makes me wonder Honeybadger, did you get a legitmate and correct rego check through that website?

 

[Penny4]

What is a RFID wallet?

It blocks signals with skimming thieves' device on our electric chip bank cards.
I also use a Farada RFID for our car keys. Our car is 'keyless', so this blocks thieves using their device to steal our car.

 

[Macarj]

It's a brave new digital world out there, but as our tech-savvy members would know, some unwanted risks come with all the otherwise great perks of the internet. One of the most troubling on the list is the threat of cybercrime.

Recently, in a joint effort by Australian and US authorities, five foreign nationals were apprehended for an alleged high-tech bank fraud involving ATM skimmers and fake bank cards.

Australian Federal Police Detective Superintendent Tim Stainton, reacting to the arrest, highlighted how pervasive cybercrime has become.

'Australia remains a lucrative target for cybercriminals, and in this digital age, we know that personal data has become incredibly valuable to criminals,' he stated.

‘We're well advanced in terms of their activities and are monitoring them on an ongoing basis.’

View attachment 27456

Five individuals have been arrested over alleged bank fraud. Credit: Eduardo Soares/Unsplash

These five individuals were allegedly part of the same international crime ring earlier investigated by the United States Secret Service (USSS).

The syndicate had reportedly identified Australia as an opportune target.

Earlier this year, the USSS arrested five Romanian nationals allegedly targeting US citizens receiving welfare benefits via electronic benefits transfer cards.

According to authorities, the alleged offenders installed ATM skimmers to clone victims' electronic benefits transfer card details and PINs. At the start of each month, the crime syndicate re-encoded the cloned bank cards to visit ATMs and withdraw the newly loaded funds.

Acting on information from their US counterparts, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) traced suspicious packages believed to contain ATM skimmers sent from China, Britain and the US to these offenders.

The AFP and New South Wales Police also raided a short-term rental property in Rhodes, Sydney, where they seized $12,935 in cash, skimming devices, false identity documents, including passports, bank cards in other people's names, electronic devices, card readers, SIM cards, and handheld electrical tools.

After further investigation, an alleged syndicate branch was uncovered operating in Brisbane. This led to the arrest of two syndicate members attempting to withdraw funds using cloned cards from an ATM under surveillance.

Meanwhile, two Romanian nationals, a 33-year-old man and a 32-year-old woman, recently appeared in Parramatta Local Court, Sydney. They've been charged with crimes under the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act and face a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment if found guilty.

Other arrested nationals, one Romanian and one Polish, face a maximum penalty of up to 14 years in prison. Another Romanian national is facing a maximum prison sentence of 5 years if found guilty.

All are due to appear in court over the coming months.

Key Takeaways

• Five foreign nationals have been arrested in Australia for an alleged plot involving ATM skimmers and fake bank cards.
• The syndicate was reportedly part of an international crime ring previously investigated by the United States Secret Service.
• Identity information has become increasingly targeted by criminals, with Australia, in particular, being seen as a lucrative target.
• The alleged offenders were caught using ATM skimmers to clone victims' card details and later withdraw funds from the victims' accounts.

It’s essential to know how to prevent these bank frauds and scams, which come in various forms. The key is awareness and preparation.

To help you out, ANZ Australia has shared some tips to avoid being a victim of scams.

Watch this video below:

This case serves as a reminder for our members to always keep their guard up regarding personal information and bank details. If a message or an email appears suspicious, do not click on any links or provide any personal data.

Stay vigilant and stay safe, members.

What do you think of this story, dear members? Do you have other tips to avoid being scammed? Share them in the comments below!

That doesn't help if they are using skimmers on ATM's

 

[Trudi]

Wish it was that easy, a lot of companies now insist on a direct debit if you have an account with them, I personally hate them with a passion and always have but if I want the product there is no option. I am talking Telcos and Banks here as well as most streaming services.

When I signed up for my current internet provider, I was given no other optlion than direct debit. After sogning up, I changed the payment method. I have set it up as a recurring payment from my bank account, which may not sound very much different, except that I am in control!

 

[Trudi]

We are the damned fools for accepting the " digital" age so wholeheartedly.

No we're not! I love being able to do all of my banking (I have several properties as well as some shares) on my computer in the comfort of my home!

 

[rehandra]

It's a brave new digital world out there, but as our tech-savvy members would know, some unwanted risks come with all the otherwise great perks of the internet. One of the most troubling on the list is the threat of cybercrime.

Recently, in a joint effort by Australian and US authorities, five foreign nationals were apprehended for an alleged high-tech bank fraud involving ATM skimmers and fake bank cards.

Australian Federal Police Detective Superintendent Tim Stainton, reacting to the arrest, highlighted how pervasive cybercrime has become.

'Australia remains a lucrative target for cybercriminals, and in this digital age, we know that personal data has become incredibly valuable to criminals,' he stated.

‘We're well advanced in terms of their activities and are monitoring them on an ongoing basis.’

View attachment 27456

Five individuals have been arrested over alleged bank fraud. Credit: Eduardo Soares/Unsplash

These five individuals were allegedly part of the same international crime ring earlier investigated by the United States Secret Service (USSS).

The syndicate had reportedly identified Australia as an opportune target.

Earlier this year, the USSS arrested five Romanian nationals allegedly targeting US citizens receiving welfare benefits via electronic benefits transfer cards.

According to authorities, the alleged offenders installed ATM skimmers to clone victims' electronic benefits transfer card details and PINs. At the start of each month, the crime syndicate re-encoded the cloned bank cards to visit ATMs and withdraw the newly loaded funds.

Acting on information from their US counterparts, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) traced suspicious packages believed to contain ATM skimmers sent from China, Britain and the US to these offenders.

The AFP and New South Wales Police also raided a short-term rental property in Rhodes, Sydney, where they seized $12,935 in cash, skimming devices, false identity documents, including passports, bank cards in other people's names, electronic devices, card readers, SIM cards, and handheld electrical tools.

After further investigation, an alleged syndicate branch was uncovered operating in Brisbane. This led to the arrest of two syndicate members attempting to withdraw funds using cloned cards from an ATM under surveillance.

Meanwhile, two Romanian nationals, a 33-year-old man and a 32-year-old woman, recently appeared in Parramatta Local Court, Sydney. They've been charged with crimes under the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act and face a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment if found guilty.

Other arrested nationals, one Romanian and one Polish, face a maximum penalty of up to 14 years in prison. Another Romanian national is facing a maximum prison sentence of 5 years if found guilty.

All are due to appear in court over the coming months.

Key Takeaways

• Five foreign nationals have been arrested in Australia for an alleged plot involving ATM skimmers and fake bank cards.
• The syndicate was reportedly part of an international crime ring previously investigated by the United States Secret Service.
• Identity information has become increasingly targeted by criminals, with Australia, in particular, being seen as a lucrative target.
• The alleged offenders were caught using ATM skimmers to clone victims' card details and later withdraw funds from the victims' accounts.

It’s essential to know how to prevent these bank frauds and scams, which come in various forms. The key is awareness and preparation.

To help you out, ANZ Australia has shared some tips to avoid being a victim of scams.

Watch this video below:

This case serves as a reminder for our members to always keep their guard up regarding personal information and bank details. If a message or an email appears suspicious, do not click on any links or provide any personal data.

Stay vigilant and stay safe, members.

What do you think of this story, dear members? Do you have other tips to avoid being scammed? Share them in the comments below!

I would like to congratulate these crims for actually "finding" an ATM!!

 

[Jen77au]

Sorry? Do you mean have a separate bank account just to have the direct debits taken out of that one and not your normal everyday transaction account that also has a debit card attached?

You can get a prepaid card from the post office, you put say, $100 of credit onto it and use that for direct debit. Knowing there's only the money you have available on the card. You can top them up as needed. Either jump on Australia post website or call their customer service centre if you can't get into the store to find out more.

 

[Gaena]

You can get a prepaid card from the post office, you put say, $100 of credit onto it and use that for direct debit. Knowing there's only the money you have available on the card. You can top them up as needed. Either jump on Australia post website or call their customer service centre if you can't get into the store to find out more.

Thank you for that info, I will investigate the Pre- paid card from the post office

 

[Gaena]

When I signed up for my current internet provider, I was given no other optlion than direct debit. After sogning up, I changed the payment method. I have set it up as a recurring payment from my bank account, which may not sound very much different, except that I am in control!

Same here, we do not have credit cards and any direct debits come out of my transaction account,which like you, gives me control

 

[MaggieAmalia]

My partner is an ATM technician and the amount of skimming devices he finds weekly is phenomenal! I knew about them that they were out there, however, I never realised how much they are used. It's scary!

Excellent info, Did your partner tell you how to check the atm machine before you do any transactions so you don't get scammed. If not would you please ask him so that it can be shared here as that would indeed be very useful information. Thank you

 

[Jen77au]

Excellent info, Did your partner tell you how to check the atm machine before you do any transactions so you don't get scammed. If not would you please ask him so that it can be shared here as that would indeed be very useful information. Thank you

He skimming device actually sits inside the card slot so they are difficult to detect. But I will definitely ask if there's a way us normal folk can tell!

 

[Shirley Sargent]

THE JUSTICE SYSTEM IS A JOKE, ITS NO WONDER THERE IS SO MUCH MAYHEM IN AUSTRALIA.

 

[sharyn13]

Better still, don't allow direct debit!

Thank you for the warning

 

[sharyn13]

This is what happens when the banks close their branches and you have to use ATM's. I am lucky at the moment I can still use my bank's branch.

You are lucky to still have a branch all the banks near me have gone.

 

[sharyn13]

Get a direct debit card, only load it when you need it.
Then you can't lose any money when the card is empty.

This is what I do as well, just transfer what amount is due.

 

[Jen77au]

Excellent info, Did your partner tell you how to check the atm machine before you do any transactions so you don't get scammed. If not would you please ask him so that it can be shared here as that would indeed be very useful information. Thank you

Hi! I checked with my partner, unfortunately there is no way of seeing the skimming device unless the ATM is opened up. He did happen to say that NCR ATM's are affected the most. ANZ tends to be the most targeted for skimming devices... the only bank that DOESN'T use NCR type ATM's is Commonwealth Bank! Believe me, I understand if you're confused by the type of atm. I'm still trying to catch onto the jargon! Then he starts on about all the different pieces and mechanics that make them work... great conversation when he comes home!

 

[Gabriella Pettit]

It's a brave new digital world out there, but as our tech-savvy members would know, some unwanted risks come with all the otherwise great perks of the internet. One of the most troubling on the list is the threat of cybercrime.

Recently, in a joint effort by Australian and US authorities, five foreign nationals were apprehended for an alleged high-tech bank fraud involving ATM skimmers and fake bank cards.

Australian Federal Police Detective Superintendent Tim Stainton, reacting to the arrest, highlighted how pervasive cybercrime has become.

'Australia remains a lucrative target for cybercriminals, and in this digital age, we know that personal data has become incredibly valuable to criminals,' he stated.

‘We're well advanced in terms of their activities and are monitoring them on an ongoing basis.’

View attachment 27456

Five individuals have been arrested over alleged bank fraud. Credit: Eduardo Soares/Unsplash

These five individuals were allegedly part of the same international crime ring earlier investigated by the United States Secret Service (USSS).

The syndicate had reportedly identified Australia as an opportune target.

Earlier this year, the USSS arrested five Romanian nationals allegedly targeting US citizens receiving welfare benefits via electronic benefits transfer cards.

According to authorities, the alleged offenders installed ATM skimmers to clone victims' electronic benefits transfer card details and PINs. At the start of each month, the crime syndicate re-encoded the cloned bank cards to visit ATMs and withdraw the newly loaded funds.

Acting on information from their US counterparts, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) traced suspicious packages believed to contain ATM skimmers sent from China, Britain and the US to these offenders.

The AFP and New South Wales Police also raided a short-term rental property in Rhodes, Sydney, where they seized $12,935 in cash, skimming devices, false identity documents, including passports, bank cards in other people's names, electronic devices, card readers, SIM cards, and handheld electrical tools.

After further investigation, an alleged syndicate branch was uncovered operating in Brisbane. This led to the arrest of two syndicate members attempting to withdraw funds using cloned cards from an ATM under surveillance.

Meanwhile, two Romanian nationals, a 33-year-old man and a 32-year-old woman, recently appeared in Parramatta Local Court, Sydney. They've been charged with crimes under the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act and face a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment if found guilty.

Other arrested nationals, one Romanian and one Polish, face a maximum penalty of up to 14 years in prison. Another Romanian national is facing a maximum prison sentence of 5 years if found guilty.

All are due to appear in court over the coming months.

Key Takeaways

• Five foreign nationals have been arrested in Australia for an alleged plot involving ATM skimmers and fake bank cards.
• The syndicate was reportedly part of an international crime ring previously investigated by the United States Secret Service.
• Identity information has become increasingly targeted by criminals, with Australia, in particular, being seen as a lucrative target.
• The alleged offenders were caught using ATM skimmers to clone victims' card details and later withdraw funds from the victims' accounts.

It’s essential to know how to prevent these bank frauds and scams, which come in various forms. The key is awareness and preparation.

To help you out, ANZ Australia has shared some tips to avoid being a victim of scams.

Watch this video below:

This case serves as a reminder for our members to always keep their guard up regarding personal information and bank details. If a message or an email appears suspicious, do not click on any links or provide any personal data.

Stay vigilant and stay safe, members.

What do you think of this story, dear members? Do you have other tips to avoid being scammed? Share them in the comments below!

Hi everyone,
I was scammed about 6 months ago it's really awful I felt really violated but I am luck I did get all of my money back. So please everyone watchout for these scammers they are very cleaver.

 

[Annna]

The push by BANKS to have customers use

1. Internet banking;

2. Phone banking;

3. Tap/pin activated card debit shopping;

4. Direct debiting where customers reveal their card number and the 3 digit code on the back of the card.

When I say 'push', just think of the number of times you've been at a branch where staff have ENCOURAGED you to use tech instead of being served by a teller.

These types of transactions get us out of branches so they can reduce staff, close branches and stop cash withdrawals. It is aimed at causing people, REGULAR PEOPLE LIKE YOU AND ME to not insist on cash (that is our cash).

Lately I've been reading the SDC articles on 'Australia going cashless' where the inference is that people don't need cash anymore.

The banks having influenced customers away from personal service and from cash then use their carefully collected statistics to say that CUSTOMERS are the ones that are shunning branches and need for cash.

PLEASE DO NOT BELIEVE THAT RUBBISH TALK.

Another tactic to get customers using internet banking (tech) is banks decommissioning ATMs by the hundreds.

For those that say this protects against skimmer devices, banks should place ATMs inside banking vestibules equipped with bank technology that identifies the attached skimmer and immobilizes the at risk ATM.

Banks can afford to install such tech to protect their customers' cash and enhance their own reputations.

 

[Penny4]

The push by BANKS to have customers use

1. Internet banking;

2. Phone banking;

3. Tap/pin activated card debit shopping;

4. Direct debiting where customers reveal their card number and the 3 digit code on the back of the card.

When I say 'push', just think of the number of times you've been at a branch where staff have ENCOURAGED you to use tech instead of being served by a teller.

These types of transactions get us out of branches so they can reduce staff, close branches and stop cash withdrawals. It is aimed at causing people, REGULAR PEOPLE LIKE YOU AND ME to not insist on cash (that is our cash).

Lately I've been reading the SDC articles on 'Australia going cashless' where the inference is that people don't need cash anymore.

The banks having influenced customers away from personal service and from cash then use their carefully collected statistics to say that CUSTOMERS are the ones that are shunning branches and need for cash.

PLEASE DO NOT BELIEVE THAT RUBBISH TALK.

Another tactic to get customers using internet banking (tech) is banks decommissioning ATMs by the hundreds.

For those that say this protects against skimmer devices, banks should place ATMs inside banking vestibules equipped with bank technology that identifies the attached skimmer and immobilizes the at risk ATM.

Banks can afford to install such tech to protect their customers' cash and enhance their own reputations.

I thought all ATM's are inside the streamlined banks these days. That's where I go, instead of using the shopping centre ATMs.