Crystal Lake PD Warns Of ATM Skimming

CRYSTAL LAKE, IL -- Crystal Lake police are warning area residents that the accounts of several Home State Bank customers have been comprised by a suspect or suspects using an electronic skimming device on local ATM machines. The skimming devices records user account information, according to a news release from the Crystal Lake Police Department. The device was used on several local ATM machines operated by Home State Bank--possibly in the past 30 days, police said Saturday.

The Crystal Lake Police Department is urging members of the public who use Home State Bank ATM machines to check their personal bank accounts for any signs of unauthorized activity. Any fraudulent activity or theft of funds should be reported to Home State Bank as well as the police department.

When utilizing an ATM machine, members of the public are asked to remain vigilant for any signs of tampering and to immediately report suspicious ATM activity to their local police department.

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The Crystal Lake Police Department is continuing to investigate the reports of fraud.

Anyone who has information relating to this investigation can contact the Crystal Lake Police Department at 815-356-3620. In addition, anyone with a cell phone can send an anonymous tip to the Crystal Lake Police Department by texting the word CLPDTIP along with the tip information to 847411 (tip411). Normal text messaging rates do apply.

PHOTO CAPTION: A man puts a card into an ATM August 3, 2010 in Fayetteville, North Carolina. A US government report issued August 3 gave evidence that the economic recovery is being stalled by sluggish consumer spending and weak personal incomes. (Photo by Chris Hondros/Getty Images)