Fake bank notices were found on two ATMs in Luohu District on Sunday, which police said were designed to steal money from ATM users, the Shenzhen Evening News reported.

Security guards said they received reports from ATM users saying they found suspicious notices on the machines.

The notices, in the name of the bank, said there was something wrong with the bank's computer system and people wanting to withdraw money should follow directions on the notices.

Police confirmed that the notices were fabricated by swindlers who tried to trick ATM users into transferring money into other bank accounts without being discovered.

Police said the scam appeared in Shenzhen years ago, mainly targeting elderly people and poorly educated migrant workers.

(Shenzhen Daily January 19, 2004)