ATM skimming devices found in Attleboro

February 22, 2016 12:47 pm

By Niza Viñas

nvinas@abc6.com

Police have responded to two separate incidents of ATM skimming devices found on Citizen’s Bank ATM machines on Saturday.

Both ATM devices were found on machines at Cumberland farms; one machine at located at County Street and the other one on Pleasant Street.

ATM skimming devices, (also called skimmers), are used by thieves to capture data from the magnetic stripe on the backs of ATM and credit cards. Once the data is obtained, it facilitates the fraudulent use of those accounts to withdraw money and make purchases.

These two ATM skimming devices have since been recovered by the Attleboro Police Department.

These devices are attached using double-sided tape over the existing card slot on ATM machines. They are intentionally designed to appear as if it were part of the ATM machine.

There is video surveillance of one of the suspects maneuvering the ATM machine and installing the device at the Pleasant Street Cumberland Farms.

One of the suspects is a white, medium-built male with dark hair, has a beard, possibly in his late 20’s to early 30’s. On the video, he has a dark colored cap, and a dark colored heavy coat.

The second suspect is a thin, white female, mid to late twenties. On surveillance she is seen wearing a knit cap, thick-framed eyeglasses, has a winter coat with a fur-lined hood, gray sweatpants, and white sneakers.

As a precaution, officers inspected nearby ATM machines to check for any other devices, but no other skimming devices were located.

Before using an ATM machine, police recommended that users inspect the card reader. A legitimate card reader will be solidly attached to the ATM machine. A false card reader can be detected lightly wiggling the device.

If any of these devices are discovered, please contact the police department.

Anyone that suspects their information may have been compromised is encouraged to notify their bank or credit card issuer.