Fraud ATM 'Skimmer' Device Discovered in Huntington Area: Police

PHOTOS: Examples of skimmer devices; photos courtesy of Fairfax County Police

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An off-duty police officer notified Fairfax County Police Friday when he noticed a fraud device (skimmer) on an ATM in the Huntington area, FCPD said Monday.

The officer had inserted his card at Citi Bank ATM at the 7-Eleven, 5834 E N. Kings Highway, around 11 a.m. Friday when he noticed that the card slot fell off and he saw internal electronic components, police said.

After examining the machine, and the cash dispenser, he noticed a small hole and saw that there were batteries, a camera and a data storage device on the machine, police said. The card slot and cash dispenser had been taped on, according to police.

The victim called Fairfax County Police prior to making any cash transactions on the machine and was not victimized, police said.

Police are asking customers to recall whether or not they may have used this machine recently as they don’t know exactly how long the skimmer was in place. Skimmers are growing phenomena and have been seen across Fairfax County and the region in recent years.

Additional tips include:

• Always check bank statements and look for discrepancies.
• Look closely at ATMs when making financial transactions.
• Skimming devices may be affixed loosely with tape
• contact bank personnel and police immediately

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Solvers electronically by visiting www.fairfaxcrimesolvers.org or text-a-tip by texting “TIP187” plus your message to CRIMES(274637)** or by calling 1-866-411-TIPS(8477), or call Fairfax County Police at 703-691-2131.