The NT Police Major Fraud Unit is presently working with banks in relation to investigating apparent ATM card skimming.

The offences are believed to have occurred in Darwin between mid January and mid February this year.

A number of ATM cards in Darwin appear to have been compromised indicating ATM skimming and amounts of money have subsequently been withdrawn from ATMs in Europe this week.

Banks have identified at least one likely compromised Commonwealth Bank ATM in Darwin City. All customers who used their card through that ATM over the relevant period will be contacted by their bank and requested to change their PIN.

Not all cards used through the compromised ATM have had money withdrawn from their accounts. Changing the PIN on the compromised card will prevent any further fraudulent withdrawals.

Members from the Major Fraud Unit are working with the banks to try and establish whether any other ATM's were compromised in Darwin during the relevant period, and to gather evidence with the view to identifying the perpetrators and laying charges if possible.

Sergeant Sue Carter said "Police are requesting any bank customers who have identified unauthorised overseas ATM transactions on their account to contact their bank in the first instance".

"After changing your PIN, request a copy of your bank statement from 1 Jan 2010 and then contact the Major Fraud Unit on 89223653 from Monday".

Media Contact:
Rickie Scoot
8922 3185