ATM Skimming

ATM Skimming involves the attachment of electronic devices on or around the ATM for the purposes of capturing both the magnetic strip data contained on the back of a debit card as well as the PIN number that is entered by the customer when using the ATM. The devices used to capture the information will vary in shapes, sizes and designs but are made to be unobtrusive or mimic legitimate devices.

Reduce the risk of being a victim of ATM Skimming:

1. Inspect the ATM for items that were installed over or around the PIN pad. Look for an attachment on the ATM that contains a small PIN hole that is pointed in the direction of the PIN pad.
2. Lightly tug the area of the card slot. Most skimming devices are attached with double sided tape for quick removal by the crooks.
3. 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 by a PIN Capturing Device!

The following indicators may indicate ATM skimming activity is or has occurred at the location and should be reported to the ATM owner and the local police department:

1. Card slot of the ATM is loose or has fallen off, or other parts of the ATM machine have dislodged from the ATM.
2. The presence of double sided tape on the ATM machine or presence of glue or pry marks around the card slot of the ATM.
3. If the door access device at the lobby door has been removed or is not securely attached to the wall.
4. Observation of person(s) attaching or removing or tampering with parts of the ATM machine.
5. Subjects who are using the ATM and are intentionally covering their faces to avoid being depicted (ex. ski masks, hats, scarfs and sunglasses during nighttime use at the ATM).
6. Person(s) using multiple cards one after another in order to withdraw funds from an ATM (may be using counterfeit cards from a skimming incident).
7. Subjects spending long periods of time outside ATM machines but not conducting transactions.