EVERETT- ATM Skimming Suspect Arrested

The Everett Police Department recently arrested a man suspected of skimming 900 credit cards. As a result, he is suspected of stealing $185,000 from ATM machines in three states. Locally, the man is suspected of stealing credit card information from 70 people in south Everett.

Skimmers place devices over the normal slots of ATM machines to capture the account numbers of credit and debit cards as they are entered into the machine. Sometimes, skimmers will also strategically place a camera to capture PIN numbers as well. (The Herald:

http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20111115/NEWS01/711159832#Suspect-arrested-in-alleged-ATM-skimming-at-south-Everett-bank )

Follow these safety tips to avoid becoming a victim:

• Don't use ATMs that appear to be broken or have broken parts. 
• If a bank has more than one machine but one has an out-of-service note, go to a different branch. Some skimmers use the signs to direct victims to use ATMs at the same location that they've rigged with skimming devices.
• Be wary of anything gluey or sticky around the key pad or card slot, or anything that could hide a camera.
• Make sure the card reader is securely attached to the machine. It should not come loose if you wiggle it.
• Always try to cover the keypad with your hand when you enter your PIN, in case there is a camera nearby.

For more information about how to protect yourself, go to:
 

KING 5- How to spot a Skimmer

http://www.king5.com/news/consumer/How-to-spot-a-skimmer-on-an-ATM-machine--119446539.html