“If you see a strange activity on your account, report it to your bank and local law enforcement agency,” Rockingham Police Chief Robert Voorhees said. “The first line of defense is knowledge.”
With holiday traffic passing through major arteries like I-40 and U.S. 1, gas pumps were the likely candidate of ATM card scams. More than 50 people have been victims.
The Charlotte Observer reported that the State Employees Credit Union was the first to recognize skimming on member’s accounts and alerted authorities to what was happening. They were not the only financial institution affected.
Skimming essentially is the act of storing credit or debit card information via a device which is often relatively unnoticeable, according to Voorhees.
The recent cases involve machines coupled to gas pumps, but have also been noted to be handheld and attached to machines like ATMs.
There are steps which can be taken to prevent and remedy skimming.
A press release from State Employees Credit Union says that the skimmer captures the card number and the camera transmits a video of the PIN number being keyed into the terminal. A counterfeit plastic card is produced and funds are then fraudulently withdrawn.
“Basically, if anything looks out-of-place, report it to management first,” Voorhees said. “And always use trusted ATMs and gas pumps.”
The SECU also said that it’s best to use a pump that is within view of the attendant.
“Rarely do they put them up where they’ll be noticed,” Voorhees said.
The Richmond County SECU said they currently do not have any reports of skimming on their member’s accounts.
Voorhees said that there are processes in place to stop the crimes.
“We will act with due diligence,” Voorhees said. Yet, the crime will be investigated and tried in the jurisdiction where the crime occurred.
“We’ve had cases like that where someone from out of town was a victim of someone around here,” Voorhees said. “Even though we don’t have the high-tech thieves (that Charlotte and Raleigh have).”
The SECU offers consumer these tips to prevent skimming fraud:
Always use a gas pump that is closer to the station attendant - stay away from pumps hidden from the attendant’s view.
If something does not look right at a gas pump or at an ATM, use another pump or ATM.
Avoid device instructions that say things like “Swipe Here First” or “Use This Machine Only.”
Always cover the gas pump or ATM keypad as you’re entering your PIN in case a hidden camera is nearby.
Closely examine ATM card slots to make sure nothing appears to be attached to the front of them.
Do not use an ATM if the card reader appears to fit poorly.
Never accept “help” from anybody at an ATM machine.
Immediately call the customer service number on the ATM if a machine keeps your card, appears suspicious or does not function properly.
Pay attention to your monthly statements for unauthorized activity (or log on to the Web site for up to date information).
Staff writer Bryan Stewart can be reached at 997-3111 ext. 15 or by e-mail at bstewart@yourdailyjournal.com.
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