ATM skimming is on the rise in Charlotte
The Story
Thieves are increasingly targeting area bank ATMs and gas pumps and equipping them with skimming devices to steal customer financial information.
US Secret Service says Charlotte experiencing a rise in ‘skimming’ crimes at ATMs http://t.co/8sAI5qu5U4 pic.twitter.com/W9wJxh3mXH
— newsobserver.com (@newsobserver) February 23, 2015
The Facts
– Since October, 11 incidents have been investigated between Greensboro and Asheville. Most were in Charlotte.
– The year before that: 4 incidents
– Often the work of Eastern European crime syndicates
Charlotte seeing a rise in ATM ‘skimming,’ as Eastern European criminal groups target the metro area http://t.co/cbsLowyXcd #charobs
— Deon Roberts (@DeonERoberts) February 23, 2015
– Skimming is the area’s most common cybercrime.
How it works
– Small devices are placed on ATMs where the customer inserts his card
– Tiny cameras or fraudulent keypad overlays capture PINs
– Criminals take that info to make online purchases or to reprogram other cards so they can be used in stores.
Tips to stay safe
– Don’t use an ATM that looks damaged or altered
– Tug on the card-entry slot and keypad to see if they are loose
– Cover the keyboard with your hand when you type in your PIN
– Don’t use ATMs in shady locations
Photos: Secret Service, Spencer Platt / Getty
This story was originally published February 24, 2015 at 12:44 AM with the headline "ATM skimming is on the rise in Charlotte."