Skimming Device Found On ATM In Newton

Caryn Little,

NEWTON, N.C. — Police say they recovered a skimming device from an ATM at the First Citizens Bank in Newton.

Investigators were called to the bank on S. College Avenue after a customer stated he noticed the ATM card reader “did not look right” and when he pulled on the plastic housing it reportedly popped off into his hands.

The card reader or skimming device is used to capture credit and debit card information when the cards are swiped.Β  Police say the card reader looked identical to the original factory-installed card reader.

After further investigation, officers discovered a fake cover had been placed over the area where cash was dispensed.Β  When officers removed the fake cover from the cash dispenser, they discovered a small camera with a battery supply, according to a report.

The fake cash dispenser cover had a small pin hole on the top which was directly under the key pad of the ATM.Β  This allowed the camera to record the pin number used in correlation with the credit or debit card once it was inserted in the machine.

According to Chief Don Brown,

β€œFirst Citizens Bank customers are asked to monitor their bank statements and credit reports for any unauthorized purchases or abnormal charges for the next several months. In general, citizens should inspect all equipment that use credit and debit card readers.

Citizens should also monitor their surroundings while performing their transaction. Often times card readers and cameras are placed on ATMs and fuel pumps in an out-of- the-way location. Often scammers place readers on fuel pumps that are on a side that faces away from store employees.

Citizens are encouraged to check for tampering by performing a quick visual inspection of the machine and wiggling the area where the card is inserted into the machine. On newer ATMs, check around the check insert area and also around the key pad to ensure no fake pieces have been attached to the machine. If you suspect something unusual about an ATM or other device contact your local law enforcement agency.”

Based on ATM security camera footage, investigators believe the reader was placed on the First Citizens ATM Sunday, February 11 th at 8:32 am. The suspect appears to be a black female driving a silver in color mini-van. Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Newton Police at 828-465- 7430.