ATM Users In Point Pleasant Warned To Beware Of Fraud: Police

POINT PLEASANT, NJ — Point Pleasant police are warning residents to be alert to possible fraud at automated teller machines after they received several fraud reports involving debit cards.

The reports involved cash being "unlawfully withdrawn, possibly after the victim’s card was compromised by a skimming device," police said.

The department is actively investigating the frauds and working to confirm the location of the card compromises, police said.

A skimmer is a card reader that can be disguised to look like part of an ATM; it collects card numbers and PIN codes, which are used to make counterfeit cards.

"Skimming is the type of fraud that occurs when an ATM is compromised by a skimmer," police said.

"Always inspect the PIN keypad and card insert slot for anything unusual, including loose-fitting parts, misaligned keys, uneven parts or the use of tape or adhesive. You can also pull on the card reader insert to ensure it is affixed, as ATM manufacturers would not make a machine where the reader can be easily pulled off," police said.

Police also urge people to protect their PIN number when entering it on a keypad by using one hand to cover the numbers/letters that are being entered.

"Check your bank accounts weekly for any unusual activity. If you suspect fraudulent activity, contact your bank as soon as possible and make a report with the Point Pleasant Police Department at 732-892-0060," police said.

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