'Skimmers' on Annapolis ATMs Behind Credit Card Fraud: Police

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ANNAPOLIS, MD – Recent reports of credit card and debit card fraud may have begun with thieves installing electronic skimming devices on ATM machines in Annapolis, authorities warn.

Annapolis Police issued a warning Friday that the department has received fraud reports in recent days. The skimming devices are able to capture a credit or debit card’s electronic data while the cameras capture the user putting in their PIN, which puts your banking information at risk.

How does this work? Thieves install a look-a-like device over the existing ATM card reader and the device captures your card information. They may even install a camera or overlay a keypad to capture your PIN. Thieves then sell the information or make clones of your card and use it online.

The skimmers are used anywhere there are card readers: grocery stores, banks, gas stations, and stand-alone ATM machines.

Investigators are not sure which businesses have been targeted since many of the victims used ATMs/card readers at multiple locations, including banks, convenience stores, and gas stations, said Cpl. Amy Miguez with the Annapolis Police Department.

"We have checked those businesses and not located any devices currently on the ATMs. Our detectives are working to narrow down the most likely places a skimmer was placed," Miguez told Patch.

Just last month, a technician working on ATM machines inside three Bowie 7-Eleven stores spotted illegal skimming devices on them.

As a Patch reader shared, it’s not a bad idea to use cash at gas stations and other spots where thieves might have an opportunity to attach skimming devices.

Police recommend checking your accounts regularly to make sure there is no suspicious activity.

What Can You Do?

Check for tampering before using your card. Look for different colors, materials, typeface, or graphics used on the ATM. If there are two ATMs next to each other compare them and see if there are any differences. Grab the card reader surround and jiggle it, check to see if the keyboard is securely attached. If something doesn't look right, isn't aligned, or wiggles, don't use the ATM. Alert the business and/or the police.

Hide your pin. When you use an ATM always assume someone is watching you enter your PIN. Put one hand up to cover the hand entering the PIN. If there is a camera trying to capture the PIN, your hand will block it. And even if there is a skimmer attached to the ATM, without your PIN the information becomes harder to use.

Report fraud and possible skimmers. Consumers should report skimming devices to the business and the police as soon as possible. If you believe you've been the victim of a fraud, call police dispatchers at 410-268-4141.

What does a skimmer look like? Annapolis Police have shared photos of what the electronic devices may look like, check out our photo gallery.

Banking websites and police have tips to help foil skimmers.

How to Protect Your ATM Card

• Use secure ATM machines under video surveillance or inside a bank lobby. They’re less likely to be tampered with.
• Pay careful attention to what the card reader and keypad normally look like on the ATMs you use most frequently.
• Don’t use an ATM if the card reader appears to be added on, fits poorly, or is loose. Some thieves place a fake box over the card slot that reads and records account and PIN numbers.
• Inspect the machine for items that were installed over or around the PIN pad of the ATM. Look for an attachment on the ATM that contains a small hole that is pointed in the direction of the PIN pad.
• Lightly tug the area of the card slot. Most skimming devices are attached with double-sided tape for quick removal by the crooks.

» Photos of skimmers on ATMs courtesy of Annapolis Police Department