Police seek skimming suspect

Detectives want to find this man caught on CCTV cameras. Picture / NZ Police

Police are seeking a man who may be linked to the Auckland ATM skimming scam.

They released a CCTV picture of the man, who is thought to be of South American origin, today

Henderson Police said he has been identified purchasing phone cards that may be linked to the skimming incidents at the BNZ Bank branches at New Lynn and at Silverdale.

Skimming devices are attached to ATMs to collect cash card details, allowing criminals to fraudulently take bank customers' money.

John Sutton, at Waitakere CIB, said he had a good description of the man, who recently purchased more than 50 phone cards at a souvenir store in Customs Street, close to the Westfield Downtown Shopping Complex.

He said: "The description given to the Police indicates he may be a South American national.

"The enquiry team want to talk to this man about his recent phone card purchases. Some of cards he used were seized by the bank during these fraudulent transactions."

"We are appealing to the public for any information, that will assist us to establish both his identity, and his current whereabouts."

The person police want is described as:
* Male, aged 35- 40 years, Caucasian with olive complexion, clean shaven
* Medium to solid build, 180 cm tall
* Speaks English poorly, with pronounced foreign accent - possibly South American
* Dresses casually, may be staying in Backpacker locations

- HERALD ONLINE STAFF