Police has issued serious warnings to all Queensland residents to properly check before using any ATM machine, as they have recently discovered a card skimming device in a Brisbane machine which was supposedly fitted with anti-skimming mechanism.

On December 27, officials were notified of the device on Sandgate Road, Clayfield, which seemed to be made of a round, watch-like battery and a printer circuit board which also sported wiring and was fitted below the clear plastic entry slot for cards.

The skimmer, as confirmed by Detective Superintendent Brian Hay, was found on an ATM which was supposed to be effectively fitted with an "anti-skimming" device.

"Card-skimming activities continue to be an issue in southeast Queensland and customers should be vigilant when using ATMs and check the card slot prior to inserting the card", he said.

Skimming devices are designed to steal sensitive personal information off bank cards, and advanced ones can even be fitted with cameras and have the ability to uncover secret PIN numbers.

Officials are now urging ATM users to immediately report any suspicious behavior which they witness around machines to the police.