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More Than 20 ATMs Linked to Alleged Card-Skimming Scam Across Perth Region - Mandurah, WA
Smart summary
Police arrest Romanian national after customers reported unauthorised withdrawals while still holding their bank cards
Police are investigating an alleged ATM card-skimming operation after more than 20 ATMs across Perth and surrounding areas were linked to unauthorised withdrawals from customers’ bank accounts.
The investigation centres on a 37-year-old Romanian national who was arrested in Western Australia last week following inquiries into a series of alleged card-skimming incidents and fraudulent cash withdrawals. Police began receiving reports on 23 September from customers who said money had been withdrawn from their accounts without authorisation, even though their physical bank cards remained in their possession.
Investigators subsequently identified multiple ATM locations potentially connected to the alleged activity. More than 20 separate incidents have so far been identified, with affected machines located across areas including Mandurah, Rockingham, Baldivis, Port Kennedy, Secret Harbour, Kwinana and Warnbro. Other reported locations include Kardinya, Belmont, Fremantle and Cannington.
The alleged scam involves technology capable of capturing information from bank cards. Card-skimming operations can allow criminals to obtain financial information and potentially use it to make unauthorised transactions. Customers may not immediately realise their card information has been compromised because they can continue to physically possess their card while fraudulent transactions occur.
Police arrested the 37-year-old man at a property in Clarkson on 30 September. During a search, investigators allegedly seized a number of items, including gift cards, a digital card reader and equipment believed to be capable of being used to create identification materials.
The investigation continued after the arrest, with police receiving additional reports from customers of two more banks. Authorities have since expanded their inquiries to determine the full extent of the alleged activity and identify any additional victims or locations.
The man has been charged with 14 counts of possessing identification equipment with intent to commit an offence, 15 counts of stealing, three counts of attempted stealing and giving false personal details to police. The charges relate to allegations that remain before the court and have not been proven.
Police are encouraging anyone who believes their bank account may have been affected by suspicious ATM activity to contact their financial institution. Customers are advised to carefully check their transaction history and report any withdrawals or payments they do not recognise.
Banks may also be able to investigate suspicious transactions and take steps to protect affected accounts and cards.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to determine how many people may have been affected and whether other individuals were involved.
Anyone with information about the alleged scheme is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers.
AllegedBeenPoliceCustomersAffected
Police are investigating an alleged ATM card-skimming operation after more than 20 ATMs across Perth and surrounding areas were linked to unauthorised withdrawals from customers’ bank accounts.
The investigation centres on a 37-year-old Romanian national who was arrested in Western Australia last week following inquiries into a series of alleged card-skimming incidents and fraudulent cash withdrawals. Police began receiving reports on 23 September from customers who said money had been withdrawn from their accounts without authorisation, even though their physical bank cards remained in their possession.
Investigators subsequently identified multiple ATM locations potentially connected to the alleged activity. More than 20 separate incidents have so far been identified, with affected machines located across areas including Mandurah, Rockingham, Baldivis, Port Kennedy, Secret Harbour, Kwinana and Warnbro. Other reported locations include Kardinya, Belmont, Fremantle and Cannington.
The alleged scam involves technology capable of capturing information from bank cards. Card-skimming operations can allow criminals to obtain financial information and potentially use it to make unauthorised transactions. Customers may not immediately realise their card information has been compromised because they can continue to physically possess their card while fraudulent transactions occur.
Police arrested the 37-year-old man at a property in Clarkson on 30 September. During a search, investigators allegedly seized a number of items, including gift cards, a digital card reader and equipment believed to be capable of being used to create identification materials.
The investigation continued after the arrest, with police receiving additional reports from customers of two more banks. Authorities have since expanded their inquiries to determine the full extent of the alleged activity and identify any additional victims or locations.
The man has been charged with 14 counts of possessing identification equipment with intent to commit an offence, 15 counts of stealing, three counts of attempted stealing and giving false personal details to police. The charges relate to allegations that remain before the court and have not been proven.
Police are encouraging anyone who believes their bank account may have been affected by suspicious ATM activity to contact their financial institution. Customers are advised to carefully check their transaction history and report any withdrawals or payments they do not recognise.
Banks may also be able to investigate suspicious transactions and take steps to protect affected accounts and cards.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to determine how many people may have been affected and whether other individuals were involved.
Anyone with information about the alleged scheme is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers.
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