Bank of New Zealand announces additional ATM security measure

Bank of New Zealand today announced it has commenced installation of security devices on its ATM machines nationally as an additional security precaution against ATM skimming fraud.

The security device, known as a “green sleeve” due to its distinctive colouring, makes it difficult to fit a skimming device over the ATM card reader, while a hologram embedded in the sleeve inhibits replication of the device.

Bank of New Zealand ATM machines fitted with the device will display an on-screen message confirming that the green sleeve has been fitted, to reassure customers as to the device’s validity.

“We expect to complete installation of the devices on all 450 Bank of New Zealand ATM machines within the next two months,” says Shona Bishop, General Manager Marketing and Business Development.

“Installation of the green sleeve devices complements other additional security measures taken by the Bank of New Zealand in recent weeks including increasing the number of ATM inspections per day, increasing physical security presence, providing comprehensive guidance for staff on what to look for, and in some cases turning ATMs off at night,” says Ms Bishop

The move follows suspected ATM skimming incidents last month at two Bank of New Zealand ATM machines located at New Lynn and Silverdale. To date fraud arising from these incidents is believed to amount to $54,690, with 38 cards believed to have been compromised. No new incidents of fraud have been detected in recent days. Around 2000 Bank of New Zealand ATM cards were cancelled in a precautionary measure.

Bank of New Zealand is assisting police with their investigation into those incidents.

“Bank of New Zealand has not experienced any decline in ATM usage across its network and is heartened by the positive response from customers to the proactive steps taken by the Bank in the interests of customer security,” says Ms Bishop.

While the Bank of New Zealand is working actively to protect customers from skimming attacks, the best first line of defence remains customer vigilance. To avoid ATM fraud cardholders should take the following precautions at all times:

· When entering your PIN, use your hand to block anyone from viewing the numbers you use.

· Be wary of people offering “help” at an ATM, or observing over your shoulder.

· Look at the ATM before using it. If for any reason it doesn’t look right, do not use it, report it.

· If an ATM has unusual signage, don’t use it.

· If there is sticky residue around the card reader, or anything unusual attached to the machine, don’t use it.

· Check your bank statements to be sure there are no unusual transactions.

Bank of New Zealand is working closely with the banking industry in defence against ATM skimming.

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