FALMOUTH – Falmouth Police report that on Monday, an ATM skimmer was discovered at a Bank of America ATM in North Falmouth. These skimmers are used to fraudulently scan and retrieve the card’s information for illegal use later. The device is under investigation by police. No other skimmers have been found. Nonetheless, please be aware of this devices. We have included more information below and have attached photographs. Police are seeking more information about this particular device and who may have installed it. Please call the Falmouth Police Department at 774-255-4527 with any information.
How Skimming Works
The devices planted on ATMs are usually undetectable by users—the makers of this equipment have become very adept at creating them, often from plastic or plaster, so that they blend right into the ATM’s façade. The specific device used is often a realistic-looking card reader placed over the factory-installed card reader. Customers insert their ATM card into the phony reader, and their account info is swiped and stored on a small attached laptop or cell phone or sent wirelessly to the criminals waiting nearby.
In addition, skimming typically involves the use of a hidden camera, installed on or near an ATM, to record customers’ entry of their PINs into the ATM’s keypad. We have also seen instances where, instead of a hidden camera, criminals attach a phony keypad on top of the real keypad … which records every keystroke as customers punch in their PINs.
Skimming devices are installed for short periods of time—usually just a few hours—so they’re often attached to an ATM by nothing more than double-sided tape. They are then removed by the criminals, who download the stolen account information and encode it onto blank cards. The cards are used to make withdrawals from victims’ accounts at other ATMs.
How To Avoid Being Skimmed
– Inspect the ATM, gas pump, or credit card reader before using it…be suspicious if you see anything loose, crooked, or damaged, or if you notice scratches or adhesive/tape residue.
– When entering your PIN, block the keypad with your other hand to prevent possible hidden cameras from recording your number.
– If possible, use an ATM at an inside location (less access for criminals to install skimmers).
– Be careful of ATMs in tourist areas…they are a popular target of skimmers.
– If your card isn’t returned after the transaction or after hitting “cancel,” immediately contact the financial institution that issued the card.
Source: FBI
Media release and photos furnished by Falmouth Police
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