Police warn of possible card skimming in Auckland

Police believe the offenders are putting the device over the card-reading slot to capture information on the card's magnetic strip. Photo / Getty Images

A "very realistic-looking" card skimming device has been used to take money from the accounts of at least five people on Auckland's North Shore, police believe.

A glue-like substance by police around the card reader of an ATM outside a dairy in Albany Village. They believe the offenders are putting the device over the card-reading slot to capture information on the card's magnetic strip.

Victims only became aware their card had been skimmed when they realised money had been removed from their accounts, North Shore sergeant Tony Bruce said.

There has been five reported cases in the past fortnight.

"The victims in these cases didn't notice anything unusual when they went to use the ATM and it was even fitted with the green "anti-skimming" guard," he said.

Police believe there may be more victims who haven't realised their card has been skimmed, and are urging people to be vigilant.

How to reduce the risk of being skimmed:

• Familiarise yourself with the look and feel of the ATM. If something looks out of place do not use it.

• Before use, take time to inspect the ATM for any unusual or non-standard fixtures.

• If there is anything unusual around the card reader or in the area above the screen do not use it and report it to police or the bank immediately.

• Report any suspicious behaviour around ATM machines immediately to police.

• Always use your hand to shield your PIN when entering it.

(Source: New Zealand Police)