Card skimming syndicate hits Melbourne

Victorian detectives are investigating links between three ATM fraudsters in Melbourne and a major card skimming syndicate in NSW.

Police believed the trio "may have travelled from Sydney to continue their crime spree" about two weeks ago.

It was believed the fraudsters were armed "with a large number of fake cards that contain PIN and debit card details skimmed in New South Wales".

The fraudsters allegedly moved across Melbourne, striking ATMs in Southland, Springvale, Carnegie, Keysborough and Toorak, before returning to Melbourne's CBD.

They were also believed responsible for the theft of two EFTPOS card readers from retail stores at Westfield Airport West and an undisclosed fast food outlet.

Detective Sergeant Greg Baker from Melbourne CIU said the fraudsters emptied their target's bank accounts and "may spend hours at an ATM using card after card to access the funds.

"There is nothing obviously suspicious about their activity aside from spending more time than usual at the machine - however they may do this in blocks," he said.

"There are no Victorian victims at this stage however we just don't know whether they have a skimming device in place while they carry out this other work."

Detectives were investigating whether the group had established links to a major crime syndicate in NSW currently involved in card skimming.

Police released security images of the men and called for public assistance to help identify them.