Two foreigners go to jail for installing card readers on ATMS

In an age where technology has become a double-edged sword, it's crucial to stay vigilant about various scams.

One scam recently came to light after authorities caught two individuals who were stealing information through illegal means.


Two Romanian nationals were caught using thin metal devices called 'shimmers' in different ATMs across Sydney and Melbourne.

These shimmers are inserted into the card reading slots, waiting for unsuspecting victims.

As bank customers insert their cards, the shimmers read and clone the information from the cards' magnetic strips and chips.


compressed-pexels-atms.jpeg
Keep your card and banking information safe from compromised ATMs that may contain shimmers. Image Credit: Pexels/Aimee


In a joint investigation triggered by suspicious packages from the United Kingdom, the United States and China, The Australian Federal Police discovered that these packages contained the same shimmers used in the scam.

The investigation also revealed information about the Romanian nationals behind this scheme.

Several CCTV footage caught them installing the devices in various ATMs.

They subsequently use the stolen information to withdraw or transfer money from the victims' bank accounts.


The authorities' search of a Rhodes address in Sydney led to the seizure of $12,935 in cash, multiple shimming devices, false documents, electronic devices, card readers, and SIM cards.

The 34-year-old Romanian national pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including possession of devices used to obtain financial information, dealing with proceeds of crime, and dishonestly dealing with financial information.

He was sentenced to four years and two months in jail, with a non-parole period of two years and six months.

He also faced charges related to false documents and giving false information.

His accomplice, a 33-year-old woman, also pleaded guilty to similar charges and was sentenced to two years and six months imprisonment.

However, the woman is eligible for parole in February 2025.

Following their sentences, both individuals should be deported to Romania.


This incident reminds us of the importance of keeping personal and financial information safe.

Scammers are constantly devising new methods to access our funds, and it's essential to know the telltale signs of scams.

For compromised ATMs, look for any unusual attachments on the machine's card slot or keypads.

Always cover the keypad when entering your PIN.

If an ATM seems suspicious, trust your instincts and find another machine.

Furthermore, regularly check bank statements and set up alerts for unusual activities to prevent unauthorised transactions.

If you fell victim to a scam, report the incident to your bank immediately for card replacements and other safety measures.
Key Takeaways

  • Two Romanian nationals were jailed for using 'shimmers' to clone credit card information.
  • The devices could intercept data from cards' magnetic strips and chips, leading to unauthorised withdrawals and transfers.
  • Upon searching their address in Sydney, authorities confiscated shimming devices, false documents, electronic devices, card readers, and SIM cards.
  • The two individuals pleaded guilty to a range of offences related to financial crime and will be deported after their sentences.
Have you ever encountered a suspicious ATM or experienced card fraud? Share your stories and safety tips with us in the comments below to help others stay protected.
 
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Why put them in our jails paid by your hard earnt tax dollars where they are looked after better than most Australia citizen's.
Plain and simple - deport them and put that passport number & details on a national database to help stop them from re-entering Australia. Only put so called Australian Citizen's criminals in our world class Holiday Camps.
 
My pension was stolen from our savings account. It was there at midnight and gone by morning to google play. I was straight down to my bank who had to investigate the matter and said that they couldn't stop the transaction. The police thought I had accidently pressed the wrong button as I have Parkinsons. Meanwhile all utilities couldn't be paid by ditect debit as I had to cancel the card. Eventually the Australian Financial Transactions Authority intervened and my money was refunded. The stress involved was tremendous. I was fortunate to have savings in another account to pay essential bills. I now pay as many bills with cash as I can. I am very wary of using any convenient cards for transactions. If possible I withdraw cash from inside a bank and don't shop online.
 
My pension was stolen from our savings account. It was there at midnight and gone by morning to google play. I was straight down to my bank who had to investigate the matter and said that they couldn't stop the transaction. The police thought I had accidently pressed the wrong button as I have Parkinsons. Meanwhile all utilities couldn't be paid by ditect debit as I had to cancel the card. Eventually the Australian Financial Transactions Authority intervened and my money was refunded. The stress involved was tremendous. I was fortunate to have savings in another account to pay essential bills. I now pay as many bills with cash as I can. I am very wary of using any convenient cards for transactions. If possible I withdraw cash from inside a bank and don't shop online.
I too have Parkinson's Disease and many people just write us off because we tremor. It doesn't mean our brain has turned to mush just yet. Good luck and always do what makes you feel comfortable 😉
 
My DIL had this happen last week, she lost all her fortnights pay over the weekend to multiple Amazon USA purchases. Luckily she was reimbursed by the bank.
I recommend speaking to your bank about setting up 3 factor authentication, so if you make a purchase using your card the bank sends you a notification of the purchase, or they send you a code to authorize the purchase. Either way you'll know about the funds going straight away.
 
I’m not prejudice but look at the nationalities that are ripping us off. They come out here and they use devices and scams that they have been using and have learnt overseas and take us Aussies for a run. We are too trusting.
Send em back and stop em coming!
what hapend to the law that said you spend time in jail you are sent back to wear you come from WHO WAS THE DICKHEAD THAT CHAINGED IT
 
I too have Parkinson's Disease and many people just write us off because we tremor. It doesn't mean our brain has turned to mush just yet. Good luck and always do what makes you feel comfortable 😉
Michael J Fox is still with us so don't give up.All the best to you and hope they find a cure soon for you and everyone with this horrible disease
 
My pension was stolen from our savings account. It was there at midnight and gone by morning to google play. I was straight down to my bank who had to investigate the matter and said that they couldn't stop the transaction. The police thought I had accidently pressed the wrong button as I have Parkinsons. Meanwhile all utilities couldn't be paid by ditect debit as I had to cancel the card. Eventually the Australian Financial Transactions Authority intervened and my money was refunded. The stress involved was tremendous. I was fortunate to have savings in another account to pay essential bills. I now pay as many bills with cash as I can. I am very wary of using any convenient cards for transactions. If possible I withdraw cash from inside a bank and don't shop online.
Can I ask , do you use Google play for anything ? If so have you ever added your account number to pay for something on google play
 

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