Fraudsters who skimmed credit and debit cards in Sydney have moved their operation to Melbourne to use counterfeited cards to drain their victims’ bank accounts.

The three men are believed to have many of these counterfeited cards, skimmed from EFTPOS and ATM machines in Sydney, as well as the corresponding PIN numbers. Although no Melbourne residents have been victimised as of yet, the unlucky Sydney banking customers’ accounts have been drained to the last penny.

Police have released security camera photos of the three men and are asking the public to assist in their capture.

“They may be staying in Melbourne with friends or at a hotel,” said Detective Sergeant Greg Baker, “and we urge anyone who might know their whereabouts or identity to help us out.”

The thieves began draining their victims’ bank accounts at two ATMs in the central district on Thursday, 21 January. They utilised a large number of cards at each machine, and either worked in chunks of time, returning to the machine after a pause, or spent several consecutive hours there.

“There is nothing obviously suspicious about their activity aside from spending more time than usual at the machine,” said Detective Sergeant Baker.

The fraudsters then fanned out into other parts of the city, including Toorak, Carnegie, Keysborough, Springvale, and Southland, before returning to the central banking district to continue their crimes.

Police emphasize that the thieves may also have placed skimming devices on the ATM machines from which they’re stealing, and that they may be connected with a major NSW crime ring which specialises in skimming credit and debit cards. As well, they are suspected of stealing three EFTPOS devices, two from retail outlets within the Westfield Airport West, and one from a Fawkner fast-food establishment.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the police, or CrimeStoppers at 1800 333 000, or their website, CrimeStoppers.com.au.

Source: http://www.smh.com.au