ATM skimming equipment seized at Brisbane International Airport

Customs sieze card encoder, ATM components with 23-year-old man charged by Australian Federal Police

A 23-year-old Chinese man will face the Queensland Magistrates Court today after being charged with importing items thought to be used for ATM card skimming.

The man was caught at Brisbane International Airport with an ATM feeder face unit, a card encoder, superglue, adhesive tape and 31 blank ATM cards last Thursday. Customs seized the items.

The man was charged with importing a device capable of stealing financial information and faces three years in gaol.

The Australian Federal Police warned consumers to check monthly credit card statements for fraudulent transactions.

It follows a rise in credit card skimming across Australia which could cost the country $100 million a year, according to the Minister of Home Affairs, Brendan O’Connor. Police blame the recent surge in credit card skimming fraud on overseas organised criminals.

NSW was hit with the biggest skimming operation in its history in January after thieves stole $50 million from credit cards, while months earlier McDonald’s customers in Perth lost $4.5 million from EFTPOS terminals that had skimming equipment installed.

Do you think you could spot a credit card skimming machine? Ever wanted to know how they are installed? Checkout the slideshow.

Join the newsletter!

Or

Sign up to gain exclusive access to email subscriptions, event invitations, competitions, giveaways, and much more.

Membership is free, and your security and privacy remain protected. View our privacy policy before signing up.

Error: Please check your email address.

Tags credit card skimmingAustralian Federal Police (AFP)

More about Australian Federal PoliceFederal Police

Show Comments
[]