CANBERRA, Oct. 7 (Xinhua ) -- West Australian police revealed on Wednesday an EFTPOS (Electronic Funds Transfer at Point of Sale) scam has seen more than 150,000 Australian dollars (133,893 U.S. dollars) stolen from 2,500 bank accounts using details gleaned at Perth retail outlets.

    EFTPOS is an Australian and New Zealand financial network for processing credit cards, debit cards and charge card payments at "Point of Sale" and transacting at ATMs.

    The state's major fraud squad is investigating the skimming fraud, most of which has occurred at retail outlets using what are thought to be compromised EFTPOS devices.

    Sergeant Graham Clifford said the alleged scam has seen credit cards, debit cards and pins captured at retail stores in the metropolitan area since October 5.

    "It is believed at this time a total of 2,500 accounts have been compromised by the fraud with an amount in excess of 150,000 Australian dollars (133,893 U.S. dollars) being stolen," Clifford said.

    "This amount is increasing steadily as people become aware that their accounts have been accessed."

    An investigation by the technology crime investigation team has commenced into the reported offences.

    Retailers have been asked to report any suspicious activity to police while shoppers have been told to check their statements and immediately report any irregularities to police.