Credit Card Skimmer Found At Bank ATM

Bradenton, FL — Customers who used an ATM at a Lakewood Ranch area SunTrust bank might want to check their bank balances.

The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that a device found on an ATM at the 1605 Lakewood Ranch Blvd. SunTrust branch is a skimmer. The device was spotted by a customer around 7 p.m. Tuesday, prompting the investigation.

At this time, it is unclear how long the skimmer might have been attached to the ATM. Dave Bristow, sheriff’s office spokesman, said detectives are working the case.

In the meantime, people who used the ATM prior to Tuesday night might want to check their bank statements for any unauthorized transactions. If bogus transactions are found, people should notify their bank or credit card company.

Skimmers are electronic devices that are placed on ATM machines and gas pumps that allow thieves to record credit and debit card information. They are generally concealed to make it difficult for victims to notice.

Credit card skimmers are an ongoing concern in Florida. In April 2015, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services announced it had worked with local law enforcement agencies across the state to check more than 6,000 gas stations. All told, about 81 skimmers turned up.

Earlier this week, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office announced the discovery of a skimmer at a gas pump in Dunedin.

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