Scam suspects busted

Vancouver police have busted a group of scammers who they say have been tampering with automated teller machines, allowing them to steal both debit cards and PIN codes from unsuspecting bank customers.

The VPD say a Scotiabank ATM was manipulated to prevent cards from ejecting and a discreet camera was installed to capture customers entering their PINs.

Police say the scammers even removed the customer-service contact information from the machines to make it difficult for customers to make contact with the bank.

“It appears these people are a part of a group making their way across Canada from Ontario to B.C. Our investigators are following up with other police agencies to see if there are any links that could help with unsolved files,” said VPD Const. Jason Doucette. “If your card gets stuck in a bank ATM, please be patient, and don’t leave until you receive clear directions from bank staff.”

The VPD arrested four people during a May 18 search warrant at a residence. Two men — Catrlin Virgil Diugu and Liviu-Marius Dogariu — have been charged with fraud-related offences and are in custody. Two others were released pending further investigation.

Diugu, 37, has pleaded guilty to possessing a device to obtain computer service, while Dogariu, 33, is scheduled to appear in court June 5.