The Cambridge Police Department reminds ATM users to be aware of skimming devices at area ATMs. These skimming devices are being used as part of an ongoing scheme by thieves to steal account information from customers and defraud banks. In recent weeks, skimming devices have been discovered in the Greater Boston area, including Cambridge.
Special attention is being placed on ATMs by Cambridge Police patrol officers, particularly during the hours of bank closures. The Cambridge Police and its Investigations Unit are working with local banks and educating regional and branch managers about these schemes, which are not isolated to Cambridge.
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An ATM skimmer is an illegal activity that involves the installation of a device generally while a branch is closed, usually undetectable by ATM users, that secretly records bank account data when the user inserts an ATM card into the machine or an ATM door card reader. Criminals can then encode the stolen data onto a blank card and use it to steal from the customer’s bank account.
The Cambridge Police advises local citizens to use precaution and suggests following these tips to help you avoid falling victim to skimmers:
- Inspect ATMs, gas pumps or credit card readers before using them. Be suspicious if you see anything loose, crooked, damaged or if you notice scratches or tape residue.
- When entering your PIN, block the keypad with your other hand to prevent possible hidden cameras from recording your number.
- If possible, use an ATM at an inside location.
- Be careful of ATMs in tourist areas, as they tend to be popular targets of skimmers.
- If your ATM card is not returned after a transaction or after hitting cancel, immediately contact the financial institution that issued the card.
http://cambridge.wickedlocal.com/article/20150714/NEWS/150718647
Cambridge Police warn of ATM skimming schemes
Posted Jul. 14, 2015 at 9:43 AM
CAMBRIDGE The following is a citizen advisory sent out by the Cambridge Police Department.
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