Varsity Lakes targeted by Card Skimmers

(By Andrew Goodall - Bond University Journalism Student)

An ATM near the clock tower on Varsity Parade has been targeted by attempted thieves hoping to use a “skimmer” to siphon funds, a local bank manager said.
 
Bendigo Bank branch manager Steven Foster said the attempt to siphon funds from bank accounts occurred a few months ago but no money was removed from anyone’s account.
 
“There was a skimming machine ... we spotted the device and promptly removed it,” Mr Foster said.

“We acted fast, before any money was taken.

“If any money is in fact taken [by skimmers attached to ATMs] we will return the money to the account holder.”

Mr Foster said although Varsity Lakes was a small community compared to larger capital cities, criminal activity was still present.

“Outfits from outside Australia are entering the country to perform fraud,” he said.
 
Bendigo Bank was vigilant about card-related fraud and measures were in place to combat fraud he said.

Mr Foster said the Varsity Lakes branch would further monitor its ATM for skimming machines.