Abbotsford police have seized an ATM from a financial institution on Sumas Way after an Abbotsford resident discovered a small plastic container just above the PIN pad.

The police officer who attended the scene discovered a small pinhole camera inside the plastic container, which was approximately 23 centimetres from end to end and painted to match the colour of the ATM machine, as well as a skimmer that had been placed on top of the bank card entry slot.

The skimmer was also disguised to look like it was part of the cash dispenser, and was used to gather banking information from unsuspecting people as they used the ATM.

"Being aware of your surroundings in integral in safety no matter what you're doing," said APD spokesman Const. Ian MacDonald.

"This customer immediately thought 'well this was interesting that they have this PIN pad protector, but I've never seen it before.'

"So instead of being oblivious and going through his transaction, he gives it a tug and sure enough it comes free."

An investigation into the matter has begun, and MacDonald said there is a direct link to organized crime.

"This is not two kids who are college drop outs with this great idea," he said, adding this particular set-up was rather sophisticated.

"This is far higher up the food chain. I don't hesitate to say that this is linked to organized crime. This is a calling card for certain groups."

MacDonald added there is no direct link between this case and the possible credit card fraud ring operating in Abbotsford.

But perhaps the most troubling aspect in this case, said MacDonald, is that the individuals behind these ATM fraud operations are usually close by and are able to access information quickly thanks to the technology hidden inside.

"The information from the PIN pad has to go somewhere," he said.

"Normally what we'll see is a small storage card, like a data card, attached or sometimes they'll set it up so that information actually goes wirelessly to someone's smart phone or laptop computer.

"In other words, the bad guys could be in close enough range that they can be pulling that data."

The grey container with the pinhole camera inside and the card skimmer are now undergoing a forensic examination and police are now in the process trying to collect surveillance video from the financial institution.

"Our Major Crime Unit and lead fraud investigator have already embarked on [working with] other jurisdictions because this isn't the first time this has happened in the Lower Mainland," said MacDonald. "We'll be comparing [surveillance video] with other incidents around the Lower Mainland and I wouldn't be surprised if we end up with some of the same faces."

This is the third ATM seizure by Abbotsford police in the last 12 months.

Police are encouraging people to be diligent when doing financial transactions at ATM machines.