RESIDENTS of Ellenbrook are being urged to check their bank statements immediately following reports of a sophisticated card-skimming operation using the identity of a business that has been closed for six years.

Fraudulent transactions are appearing on bank statements from customers shopping around Ellenbrook Central under the name Ellenbrook Martial Arts, despite the business no longer being in operation.

In a social media post two weeks ago, the former owners of the closed business warned the community about the theft of their identity.

“Someone has stolen this logo, out of date ABN, address, and phone number and are somehow skimming cards locally and taking money directly from bank and credit cards,” they said.

“It’s either someone walking around the shops or a shop where someone has put a machine in their swiper, and the matter has been reported.

“They (have currently taken) thousands of dollars in the amounts from $45 up to $120.

“We’re very sorry if that has happened to you and we urge you to follow this up with your bank and police in the hope that these people are caught.”

A card-skimming scam is a type of financial fraud where criminals use hidden electronic devices attached to EFTPOS terminals, or handheld scanners used in close proximity to victims, to steal card information.

A Consumer Protection spokesperson urged residents to be proactive, in case they become victims of card skimming.

“Some common warning signs a card has been compromised include unfamiliar or repeated small transactions on their bank statement, or charges processed under business names they do not recognise,” they said.

“(We urge) consumers to report any fraudulent transactions to their bank immediately, as the financial institution is best placed to attempt to recover funds or secure the affected accounts.”

A police spokesperson said that consumers should report any suspicion of fraud or criminal activity so authorities can investigate.

“If you believe you have been the victim of a business impersonation scam you can submit a report online to Cyber Crime via www.cyber.gov.au and to WA ScamNet at Consumer Protection via www.scamnet.wa.gov.au,” they said.

“For enquiries or advice, WA ScamNet can be contacted on 1300 30 40 54 or consumer@lgirs.gov.au.”