14 October 2008

MyState Financial would like all members, particularly those visiting or living in the Sydney area to be aware of the following information, as reported in the Sydney Morning Herald on 9 October 2008.

NSW Police are warning Sydney ATM users to be vigilant following a spate of "brazen robberies" in the Bondi area this month.

Two men fleeced unsuspecting customers of $1800 in cash within half an hour of stealing their ATM cards in the middle of a transaction.

In one of three known robberies this month, police believe the thieves walked less than two metres to a neighbouring ATM and withdrew $900 in three separate transactions, all before the victim made it into the bank to cancel their card.

On another occasion, the pair stole $900 through credit card transactions and cash withdrawals within half an hour of stealing a bank card.
Police believe the first offender watches a bank customer enter their PIN into the machine and keys it into a mobile phone.

The second offender then distracts the customer by dropping a $20 note at their feet and tapping their shoulder, while the first offender steals their card as it is ejected from the ATM.

The stolen card is used in another machine, leaving the ATM customer to wonder why the machine has not spat out their card.

MyState Financial reminds all members to take care when using ATM’s and ensure that your PIN can not be seen by other people.

If you suspect your PIN or card details have been compromised, we recommend you immediately call the Redicard or Visa Debit Hotline (24 hour) Australia - 1800 224 004 or Overseas - 61 2 9959 7480 and arrange to cancel your card.

If you hold a MyState Financial MasterCard please call Australia - 1300 135 538 or Overseas - 61 2 8225 0620

To arrange a replacement card, please call MyState Financial on 138 001, or visit your nearest Branch.

More Information

Find out more and read MyState Financial’s Top 10 Tips for Internet Security.