ORGANISED crime gangs are making hay while the sun shines, draining the bank accounts of Australians whose relatively old-fashioned magnetic-strip credit and debit cards are easy meat for well-equipped criminals.
In recent times NSW account holders have lost an estimated $50 million to the so-called "skimmers". That's one of the biggest rip-offs of its type to be reported anywhere.
Skimming takes a variety of forms. In the latest wave to hit NSW it appears to have followed a pattern established a few months ago in Western Australia, where criminals somehow managed to compromise the EFTPOS machines of fast-food chains, including McDonald's.
The devices were modified to transmit details of customers' cards and PIN numbers to the criminal gangs. Copies of cards were made and criminals often overseas used the counterfeit cards and stolen information to drain accounts.
It is clear that the operations are highly organised. The equipment is specialised and the attacks are widespread. The handful of perpetrators so far arrested appear to be little more than "mules", flown into the country and instructed by organisers at much higher levels whose identities may never be revealed.
Bank customers whose accounts have been drained or whose cards have been blocked are understandably angry. Many are asking why, in the wake of the West Australian attacks, more widespread warnings weren't issued. Others want to know why Australia appears to lag behind many overseas countries in adopting more secure, chip-based cards to replace the old-style magnetic strip versions now widely considered obsolete because of their vulnerability.
Banks are being forced to reimburse customers for money lost because of exposure to compromised EFTPOS machines in shops and restaurants. But the inconvenience to many is significant.
Since it seems the criminals sometimes leave an interval of weeks or months between obtaining card details and using them, card-holders would be wise to change their PIN numbers regularly.
They should also comb their statements for irregularities and perhaps consider carrying a little more cash instead of relying too heavily on EFTPOS for even minor purchases.
Safe level crossings
THE NSW Government's official recognition of two Newcastle railway level crossings as some of the most dangerous in the state should be followed by moves to make them safer.
It should be relatively easy to upgrade Hamilton's Beaumont Street crossing third most dangerous in NSW to better safeguard pedestrians and motorists.
The Merewether Street crossing near Civic station the state's fifth most dangerous is a slightly more complicated case because of continuing uncertainty about the future of the section of rail line between Wickham and Newcastle stations.
It's time the Government solved this, and other rail-related issues in the city, by making a decision on the rail line's future.
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