 |
| An example of one ATM skimmer design. | BDO |
Chicago cops recovered at least three more ATM skimmers on Thursday, two downtown and another in Lincoln Park, as enterprising criminals continue trying to suck up your debit and credit card data.
Skimmers are devices that slip over the real card readers and keypads of genuine ATMs. They secretly record card data and passwords as people use cash machines in the course of everyday business.
Unless the skimmer is detected, the criminal will eventually return to collect their device and begin using the card numbers and PINs that it has recorded.
Skimmers were located Thursday at the CVS Pharmacy at 101 North Clinton; the Fifth Third Bank at 601 South Clark; and the CVS Pharmacy at 401 West Armitage.
Police are encouraging ATM users to inspect the machines, looking for any irregularities or loose parts, before using them. The card reader slot and PIN pad should not wiggle or have extra pieces visible. Also, cover your hand as you type your password into an ATM.
Give everything a good pull. Real ATM parts are built to take a beating. Nothing should move or pop off.
“If there is any type of irregularity or issue in placing the card into the card slot, do not use the ATM,” a police alert warned.
Investigators also suggested covering your hand when you enter your PIN so hidden cameras cannot pick up your secret code.
Anyone with information about skimming incidents is asked to call the Chicago Police Financial Crimes Unit at (312) 746-9661.
