Bank cards skimmed in Claremorris

Bank cards skimmed in Claremorris


Ciara Galvin

BANK of Ireland has confirmed a skimming incident at one of its ATMs in Claremorris. A statement issued by the bank said it is its policy to fully refund any losses sustained as a result of the criminal activity.
It is not fully known how many customer accounts were compromised, but a spokesperson for the bank told The Mayo News yesterday (Monday) that the figure was ‘very very low’.
“We have confirmed skimming in Claremorris, very few [accounts] have had transactions … we identify fraudulent transactions and lock everything down. The numbers are low,” said Mary Brennan, Consumer Media Relations Manager with the Bank.
The bank is now proactively contacting customers to confirm the fraud and issue replacement cards and will continue to closely monitor the situation, which is also under investigation by the Gardaí.. The bank may also cancel and reissue cards to customers to ensure no further fraud can be perpetrated on skimmed cards by the criminals.  
Meanwhile, the bank has refuted claims that there has been any fraudulent activity or bank-card skimming at its ATM on Ballinrobe’s Main Street over the weekend. The machine was out of service over the weekend leading many people to believe that the machine had been tempered with. However, Ms Brennan said that the machine had been inspected by an engineer and that there was no issue.
Speaking to The Mayo News yesterday (Monday) one Ballinrobe man said he had been contacted by Bank of Ireland via text on Saturday morning. He was subsequently informed that two fraudulent transactions had been made on his account.
“I got a text at 8.15am from Bank of Ireland asking me to contact a number. Then they told me there had been two transactions on my account in America, and they asked me if I was away.”
The bank then informed him that the amount (over €100) would be refunded in the coming days.
When asked about the issue of the man’s account Ms Brennan said that identifying the point of compromise is ‘often difficult’ and that it ‘may not be the nearest ATM’.
ATM-card skimming is now one of the most common types of fraud in Ireland. The criminals copy the magnetic strip on a legitimate card through a small handheld device called a ‘skimmer’. Criminals use the data captured by these devices to clone and create fake cards that are used to extract cash from accounts and make purchases.
Skimming devices can also be affixed to the front of an ATM where the customers’ card details are copied when they use the facility. Small cameras may also be attached above the ATM to record the customer using their PIN thus giving the criminals, within a few seconds, all they need to clone a card.
Because faked or cloned cards can be used fraudulently, even though the cards are still with the customer, Bank of Ireland is strongly advising customers to check bank statements regularly and to be vigilant when using cards at retail outlets and at ATMs.
Customers are reminded to always cover the keypad with a free hand, thus blocking the view of any camera that may have been installed.
Customers who notice anything unusual at an ATM – such as a strange device or anyone acting suspiciously – should not proceed with a transaction and leave the machine immediately. Any such incident should be reported directly to the bank in question and the Gardaí immediately.
For a range of appropriate advice for all card users visit www.safecard.ie.