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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In old times if you stole anything your hand/s were cut off, how would these guys perform their scams, go to the toilet and feed themselves with no hands.

Yes I did think about them using their penis but I thought I would leave that for someone else.
 
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How can you tell if the ATM has a shimmer installed? it seems it would be hard to do. Does the bank check their machines regularly?
 
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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 😉
Yes Parkinson's sufferers are written off so easily. It is frustrating as there is much we can still contribute. I have university Masters and Bachelor degrees but people overlook me as my speech is quieter and less spontaneous.
 
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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.
I'm sorry but jail isn't as cushy as most people think, sadly my son, who has since passed away at 33 years of age, did a silly thing and he ended up in jail for 2 1/2 years. He was luckier than a lot of prisoners because his dad would put $60 a week into his jail account, this brought him a rare treat of a very expensive pouch of rolled tobacco and a few treats like a packet of biscuits and some 4 minute noodles.
In his pod he was the "cook", the other men would give him what they could to make something nice for them every now and then.
The canteen food was rotten, my son would rarely go in there for meals and lost a lot of weight because of it, sometimes he only got to eat every second or third day. He didn't have a tv as it was out of his price range or a laptop/computer or any other luxuries that people think they get, this was in an open jail, which is where people think it was all 'cushy' and nice so no, they didn't get treated any better than most Australian citizens, far from it, but as far as i'm concerned they deserved it, even my son who pleaded guilty when his court time came around.
He had also been beaten up on occasion by groups of other inmates, it's a scary place and I get angry when people say they are treated so well!!
 
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 😉
Thanks for your lovely reply Deb. Good luck to you too. My challenge is not to give up going out of the house and exercising.
 
I'm sorry but jail isn't as cushy as most people think, sadly my son, who has since passed away at 33 years of age, did a silly thing and he ended up in jail for 2 1/2 years. He was luckier than a lot of prisoners because his dad would put $60 a week into his jail account, this brought him a rare treat of a very expensive pouch of rolled tobacco and a few treats like a packet of biscuits and some 4 minute noodles.
In his pod he was the "cook", the other men would give him what they could to make something nice for them every now and then.
The canteen food was rotten, my son would rarely go in there for meals and lost a lot of weight because of it, sometimes he only got to eat every second or third day. He didn't have a tv as it was out of his price range or a laptop/computer or any other luxuries that people think they get, this was in an open jail, which is where people think it was all 'cushy' and nice so no, they didn't get treated any better than most Australian citizens, far from it, but as far as i'm concerned they deserved it, even my son who pleaded guilty when his court time came around.
He had also been beaten up on occasion by groups of other inmates, it's a scary place and I get angry when people say they are treated so well!!
How tragic that there is such health risk to being in jail.
 
  • Like
Reactions: deni67
In old times if you stole anything your hand/s were cut off, how would these guys perform their scams, go to the toilet and feed themselves with no hands.

Yes I did think about them using their penis but I thought I would leave that for someone else.
I read that wrong , I thought you said go to the toilet and feel themselves ..but it was feed themselves
 
  • Haha
Reactions: deni67
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.
With all the banks closing their branches we won’t be able to go to a bank soon
 
  • Sad
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Dump the bastards in the middle of the outback with a packet of Tim Tams and a bottle of water and wish them luck.
 
I'm sorry but jail isn't as cushy as most people think, sadly my son, who has since passed away at 33 years of age, did a silly thing and he ended up in jail for 2 1/2 years. He was luckier than a lot of prisoners because his dad would put $60 a week into his jail account, this brought him a rare treat of a very expensive pouch of rolled tobacco and a few treats like a packet of biscuits and some 4 minute noodles.
In his pod he was the "cook", the other men would give him what they could to make something nice for them every now and then.
The canteen food was rotten, my son would rarely go in there for meals and lost a lot of weight because of it, sometimes he only got to eat every second or third day. He didn't have a tv as it was out of his price range or a laptop/computer or any other luxuries that people think they get, this was in an open jail, which is where people think it was all 'cushy' and nice so no, they didn't get treated any better than most Australian citizens, far from it, but as far as i'm concerned they deserved it, even my son who pleaded guilty when his court time came around.
He had also been beaten up on occasion by groups of other inmates, it's a scary place and I get angry when people say they are treated so well!!
Can I ask how long ago he was in jail ?

My brother has been in many jails including Long Bay, Long Bay was the hardest but others were not that Bad.

My father is serving 11 years out in 8 , in Maitland jail ,he is out next year and told his son my half brother it was like a holiday.
He is in for raping and paedophilia for his daughter ,my half sister from when she was 8 until she was 14. I WISHED HE WAS SERVING IT HARD. He turns 82 this year .

He was sentenced when he was 74 and we were hoping he would die in prison, he had/ has no remorse.

I wished he was put in the prison your son was in
 
  • Sad
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