'Skimmers' Found on ATMs at Three Bowie Stores: Police

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BOWIE, MD — Banking information is at risk, says the Bowie Police Department, after electronic devices were found on ATM machines at three Bowie convenience stores.

Police are warning residents that officers recovered cameras and skimmers from the ATM machines at these 7-Eleven store: 3570 Crain Highway, 15700 Mount Oak Road, and 6860 Race Track Road.

The skimming devices are able to capture a credit or devit card’s electronic data while the cameras capture the user putting in their PIN.

Police say that if you recently used any of these ATM locations, you should immediately change your PIN and alert your bank.

Not sure what a card-skimming device looks like? This website shows various skimmers on ATMs, so you know what to look for in the future.

And 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.

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.
• Cover the keypad with your other hand while typing your PIN. This is the best way to ensure that your PIN number is not recorded.