Sault financial outlets checking for ATM tampering

CITY POLICE

NEWS RELEASE

************************* Skimming fraud alert

With regards to the two persons arrested on Sunday, October 18, with skimming device related offences, the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service Fraud Unit is continuing the investigation into this incident.

The unit has put out a zone alert to all financial institutions in the province.

The financial institutions locally are checking to see if any of their ATMs have been tampered with and if any customers have been victimized by this fraud.

It may take several days to determine if there are any local victims involved in this case. The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service would like to educate the public once again about this type of fraud and some tips to reduce their chances of becoming victims. Skimming is the illegal act of placing a skimming device (false face plate) over the card slot of an ATM.

These devices can look legitimate and come in different shapes and sizes - often matching the equipment on the machine.

A camera/mirror device may also be affixed to the ATM to observe victims entering their personal identification number (PIN).

A false key pad is sometimes used.

When someone inserts their card to perform an ATM transaction, the card travels through the skimming device and the magnetic information on the card such as the name on the account, account number, and PIN embedded in the magnetic strip is recorded.

A camera/mirror is used to record the victim entering their PIN.

Once a card is swiped, the information contained in the magnetic strip is stored in the electronic skimming device.

At a later time, the criminal will return to the ATM and retrieve the skimming device and camera/mirror to obtain the victim's stolen card information. The magnetic strip is copied onto another card and the stolen PIN is matched to it.

The ATM card account information as well as the matching PIN can be sold, used to order items online, to make counterfeit ATM/debit/credit cards or to withdraw money from the victim's accounts.

Most ATMs are not safe from this type of crime.

When a skimming device is placed on an ATM, the cardholder/victim can perform their ATM transactions unaware that their information has been recorded.

Skimming operations often occur after hours and over weekends so criminals can retrieve the information prior to normal business hours. Bank customers should check their accounts and contact their bank if they suspect any unauthorized activity.

People who suspect their card information to have been stolen should cancel their old cards and get a new card issued against their accounts.

Prevention tips - Always hide and protect your pin

- Watch your card. If someone swipes it twice, ask why. Chances are they’re skimming it right in front of your eyes

- Internet banking is a great resource to proactively view your account to ensure you haven’t experienced any unauthorized transactions

- Check your bank statements online at least once a day. Look for cash withdraws and purchases that look unfamiliar

- Make sure you have minimum cash withdraw limits on your accounts. Having a higher limit means that someone can’t go in there and clear out your account in one day

- If you have overdraft protection, someone can take money that you don’t even have

- Take off access to accounts from your debit card that you don’t need. Make all of your credit card payments online and then take the access to your credit card off of your debit card

- Use cash wherever you can

- When using an ATM always check the ATM equipment and the area around it closely for suspicious activity. Look for loose fitting (card slot) face plates. If you think a skimming device has been placed on an ATM, notify police immediately.

************************* Earlier SooToday.com coverage of this story

Skimming device found on Capp Ave ATM. Two arrested