Skimmer Found on ATM at Walmart in Hanover

HANOVER, MD — Anne Arundel County Police have released a security camera photo of a man suspected of placing an electronic skimmer on an ATM inside the Walmart store in Hanover. The skimming devices are able to capture a credit or debit card’s electronic data while the ATM's cameras capture the user putting in their PIN.

According to authorities, on Nov. 25 the suspect placed an ATM skimmer on the Woodforest National Bank ATM inside the Walmart at 7081 Arundel Mills Circle. Anyone with information on the identity of the suspect is asked to contact Detective J.S. Golas at 410-222-8777.

Police say that if you recently used the ATM, you should immediately change your PIN and alert your bank.

Last month police say several suspects put skimmers on a Suntrust Bank ATM inside the Safeway at 7463 Arundel Mills Blvd. in Hanover. Police say the device was placed on the ATM on Oct. 27, then the same suspects — a man and a woman — returned on Oct. 28 and Oct. 29 to again place the skimming device on the ATM.

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, be wary of ATMs at stores, because they might not be checked regularly for skimmers. Also, 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.

»ATM skimmer suspect photo courtesy of Anne Arundel County Police