Bank account scam 'may have hit 10,000 people'

Thousands of customers the ANZ Bank are thought to be potential victims of a credit card fraud operation in Melbourne, it is stated.

A senior detective has told Melbourne magistrates court that the bank - which includes the ANZ Low Rate credit card and ANZ Balance credit card in its range of products - has estimated that some $789,000 had been withdrawn from its customers' bank accounts by an international crime syndicate.

And although such people have now been reimbursed, senior constable Brett Colley told magistrate Sarah Dawes that "we have no clue where the money is".

His comments come as five Romanians have been arrested for their alleged involvement in the skimming operation.

Overall, it is thought that some 10,000 people could have been a victim of the credit card scam operation.

In an effort to reduce the chances of being a target of skimmers, a recent Southern Highland article recommended that people should ensure they never lose sight of their card when out shopping and bank accounts should be checked regularly in case of any discrepancies.

Written by Nate Sawyer