Two men wanted over ATM skimming

Police are seeking the men in these security pictures.

Police have released images of two men they say are closely linked to the recent ATM skimming thefts in Auckland.

More than $100,000 was taken from New Zealand bank accounts in March using the skmming scam, which enables fraudsters to replicate customers' cash cards - often using standard phonecards - and take money from their accounts. The cash machines targeted in Auckland were at BNZ banks, including those in New Lynn, Pakuranga and Silverdale.

Detective Brendon Pearson, of the Henderson Fraud Squad, said the first man bought phone cards at a liquor store on Quay Street in central Auckland on March 27. The picture released shows him leaving the Century on Anzac apartment building.

Police believe he was closely linked to the two foreign nationals while they were living at the building.

Mr Pearson said: "The nationality of this particular male is still unknown. Police would like to know of his whereabouts, and whether or not this individual is currently residing in New Zealand."

He said the second man withdrew money from an ATM at the ASB, Glen Eden Branch on March 23.

"His identity or nationality is again still unknown. The male used a popular phone card which the skimming information had been loaded onto," Mr Pearson said.

Detectives want to talk to the two men about their phonecard purchases and fraudulent transactions.

- HERALD ONLINE STAFF