Phuket Police warn over “new’ ATM skim device

PHUKET: Police are warning all ATM users to beware of fake covers fitted to the card-insert slots of cash machines after finding a “new” form of card skimmer fitted to an ATM in Patong yesterday evening.

The new device was fitted to a Siam Commercial Bank ATM in front of a 7-Eleven convenience store at Malin Plaza, on Prachanukrh Road, at the south end of Patong.

“We received a report from a local resident who said the card insert slot looked odd,” Lt Col Sutthichai Thianpho of Patong Police told the Phuket Gazette.

Officers inspected the machine at about 6:30pm and found that a cover had been fitted over the card slot. Attached to the fake cover was some form of electronic chip.

“It was obviously a skimming device that copies the electronic information from every card inserted in the machine,” Col Sutthichai said.

“We haven’t seen anything like this before. The bank staff that officers spoke to also confirmed this was a new device.”

Col Sutthichai urged people to contact police with any information they have about suspected ATM skimmers.

“If you see anything suspicious, please call the police at 191 or report it in person at Patong Police Station,” he said.

“We have notified all police stations in Phuket, as we don’t know how many of these devices have been installed, or where.

“Please be cautious and check the ATM before using it. To be safe, please use one inside a bank.”

— Chutharat Plerin