RURAL residents have been warned not to be lulled into a false sense of security as they punch their PIN into an ATM.
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Fraud inquiries are under way after a card skimming device was reportedly attached to a Boorowa ATM last month, highlighting bank customers in the bush aren't immune to having their account compromised.
Boorowa police were recently provided information a device had been fitted to the machine at the town's Bendigo Bank branch.
Senior Constable Randall O'Brien said the bank had received several reports from customers relating to suspicious account withdrawals.
"The matter is currently under investigation by the bank's fraud section, as well as police, but it is understood that customers' cards may have been compromised several weeks ago," Senior Constable O'Brien said.
"Please check bank statements and records and if any possibly fraudulent transactions are observed, let the bank know immediately."
Police say the skimming device is no longer attached to the machine and it is safe to use.
In a statement, Bendigo Bank said it believed "a skimming device may have been placed on the Boorowa Bendigo Bank ATM in early June".
"Our bank constantly monitors our customers' accounts for suspicious activity and we have been in contact with those who have had their security compromised," the statement said.
"Impacted customers will not experience any financial loss as a result of this skimming event."
Senior Constable O'Brien warned the community to protect themselves by covering their PIN when using any ATM.
- with The Boorowa News