Police have arrested seven people for suspected fraud after a group allegedly used gift cards to extract money from ATMs.

A police spokesman said: “It is understood that the scammers made several attempts, at various ATM locations, to access approximately $200,000 in total, but were unsuccessful.

“It is further believed that approximately $120,000, or more, has been stolen during the incidents occurring over the last couple of months.”

The spokesman said that officers had received information that criminals may be skimming data from credit and debit cards and then uploading the bank details onto retail gift cards, which they then attempted to use to withdraw money from ATMs.

It is suspected that stolen bank card details are being obtained through illicit online markets.

Detective Inspector Tiffany Caisey of the criminal investigations unit said: “We urge business owners to be alert to individuals attempting to buy a high number of gift cards with low balances, as this may be a red flag for fraudulent activity.

“Consider keeping a gift card registry with proof of identification, time and date purchased and name of the cashier facilitating the transaction. Please contact police if suspicious behaviour is observed.”

Police also urged the public to regularly monitor their account statements for unusual or unauthorised transactions, reporting suspicious activity to their financial institutions and using caution when making online transactions.

The spokesman said: “The BPS is working closely with local financial institutions and retailers to detect and disrupt these offences.

“Anyone with information, or who encounters suspicious activity of the nature described, is asked to contact the Bermuda Police Service at 295-0011, use the BPS reporting portal at portal.police.bm or e-mail CIDMail@bps.bm.”

The public can also contact the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers hotline at 800-8477 or share the information with a police officer they are familiar with.

Of the seven people arrested, the spokesman said six had been released on bail as police inquiries continue.

However, Jahroy Simons, 39, appeared in Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday charged with a series of dishonesty offences which allegedly took place on September 24 and 28.

Mr Simons denied six charges, including attempting to use a false MarketPlace gift card to obtain funds from HSBC, dishonestly obtaining $8,000 from HSBC and possessing false debit cards.

Mr Simons denied the charges, and the matter is expected to return before the courts next month.

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