Skimming is a constant problem in Phuket. The thieves install equipment that takes details of ATM cards inserted in a machine, along with the PIN number. They then make a copy of each card and use it to steal cash from victims’ accounts.
The equipment installed by the Bulgarians was detected by a member of the staff at the Kasikorn Bank branch on Patak Rd in Karon, whose responsibility it was to load the machine with cash. He noticed “something wrong” and police were called.
They staked out the machine and at 8pm saw the two men arrive to detach the skimmer. The two, Tervel Dimitrov, 31, and Ancho Stenkov, 33, were promptly arrested.
Police held a press conference this morning at which the two with their equipment were displayed to journalists. They had apparently only just started work – there was no evidence among belongings seized from the two that they had raided any accounts.
ATM users are advised to check any machine before they use it. If the keypad is raised above the surface of the desk at the ATM, it may be that thieves have installed a keypad over the existing one.
Users are also advised to use only newer ATMs with a green plastic tab protruding from machine next to the slot. The tab makes it much more difficult for a skimmer to be installed.
Anyone suspecting that a skimmer has been installed on a machine is advised to contact bank staff. In addition, it is wise to change one’s PIN number frequently.