Card-skimmers steal $100,000 from ATMs

The money was allegedly stolen from NAB and Commonwealth Bank branches in Victoria, Queensland and NSW using a skimming device to clone cards inserted in the ATM.

"The cloned cards were then used at multiple ATMs throughout Victoria and Australia to access money belonging to the victims," police said.

A 22-year-old Polish national and a 35-year-old Romanian national have been extradited to Victoria from Queensland to face Melbourne Magistrates' Court on charges of conspiracy to defraud.

Police allege the men used disguises including glasses, face masks and scarves as well as rental cars hired using assumed identities.

The men were working on behalf of a Romanian organised crime syndicate, police said.

Card skimming devices are often fitted to appear as thought they're part of existing ATMs but there are tell-tale signs that tampering has occurred.

"Devices used are smaller than a deck of cards and are often fastened in close proximity to, or over the top of the ATM's factory-installed card reader," Commonwealth Bank said.

Customers who are unsure if their ATM has a skimmer fitted over the card entry slot are encouraged to compare the features of their machine to neighbouring ATMs.

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Don't use the machine if differences in the ATM design are noticed, Commonwealth Bank said.

Police allege the Romanian organised crime syndicate behind the thefts targets financial institutions using highly sophisticated devices.

Concerned customers are encouraged to cover their PIN number as it's entered and to report suspicious behaviour immediately to the bank and police.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone with information on fraudulent activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au