Skimmers scam bank customers

Erin Pearson
COMMONWEALTH bank customers have lost thousands of dollars after “skimming thieves” targeted a Newcomb ATM.
Bank spokeswoman Nichole Ismay said the thieves had targeted Bellarine Village Shopping Centre’s CBA ATM over the past month.
Ms Ismay said the bank had not found a skimming device.
Customers who lost money were eligible for refunds, she said.
“The thefts were discovered through monitoring cards at the ATM as well as reports from customers to the bank. We believe it was only at that ATM where the thefts occurred,” Ms Ismay said.
“For customers who have been affected they can contact their bank and they’ll be refunded within five days of reporting the incident.
“Skimming has been an issue but it doesn’t just affect Commonwealth Bank – it affects all banks, so it’s an issue for the industry.”
Skimming thieves fit hidden devices at ATMS to obtain copies of customers’ account details when they use credit or debit cards. The thieves then clone cards to withdraw money.
Ms Ismay said any card used at the ATM was at risk.
The bank was contacting customers via SMS or mail, she said.
Commonwealth would also contact customers of other banks who used cards at the Newcomb ATM.
Ms Ismay said a police investigation was underway.
Victoria and Geelong Police said they were unaware of the thefts linked to the Newcomb ATM.