ATM Card Number Thefts on the Rise in Middlesex County, Prosecutor Says

Middlesex County, NJ - County Prosecutor Andrew Carey warned Monday that the theft of card numbers at ATMs has been on the rise in recent months in Middlesex County.

By installing tiny cameras, known as “skimmers,” over the card-reading camera of legitimate ATMs, thieves have been able to secretly record credit and debit card numbers and users’ PINs. There have been 20 ATM thefts reported in Middlesex County since December, Carey’s office said. The total amount of the thefts has yet to be determined.

The best defense is to place one hand over the ATM to prevent thieves from being able to view your PIN numbers, prosecutors said.

Individuals are also advised to avoid unfamiliar ATMs and refrain from using ATMs that are not well-supervised, such as those located in the rear of convenience stores, or those on the sidewalk outside of banks.

Locations outside the view of a store clerk, for example, allow thieves to install their skimmer equipment undetected. Always examine the card-reading camera at the top of the ATM before beginning a transaction, Carey suggests.

Be careful paying for gas, too

ATM users also are warned to avoid paying for gasoline with credit cards, since skimmers have been placed at gas pumps and could remain undetected by gas station employees and customers.

Users who want to pay with a credit card are advised to swipe the card quickly, and not leave it in the pump while vehicles are being filled with gas.

Call your local police if you find any evidence of tampering at an ATM, Carey said.

Those who realize their card information has been stolen should alert their banks and credit card companies immediately, cancel the card and request a new one, and flag the stolen card to prevent further thefts.