Skimmer Plot Foiled In Mission Viejo, Suspect Arrested

MISSION VIEJO, CA — One men was arrested in Mission Viejo Sunday night after being caught attaching an ATM skimming device on a bank ATM near Puerta Real and Crown Valley Parkway, the Orange County Sheriff's Department reported Monday.

An OCSD patrol sergeant detained two men 9 p.m. Sunday night, and reported that both men ran away and a foot pursuit followed. While one man was caught and detained by the patrol sergeant, the other suspect got away despite a good samaritan's attempts to locate him.

The apprehended suspect is currently in an Orange County jail with multiple identity theft charges, the OCSD reported.

The suspects were discovered to be using a micro camera to record ATM users as they entered their PIN numbers, as well as skimming devices, authorities said.

Authorities said the men would use a thin skimming device to record card information when inserted, before transferring the sensitive information on a VISA gift card to use at a later time.

The OCSD Economic Crimes Investigators will continue following up on this case, authorities said.