USEFUL LINKS

Even when it appears no one is looking as someone makes use of an ATM card at a bank, it no longer means the information on the card is safe from theft.

A suspected skimmer was found on the Wachovia Bank ATM at 3601 Sandy Plains Rd. Oct. 4. The skimmers are used by criminals to gain account information of ATM card users.

That's the message derived locally since a suspected ATM skimmer was found on the Wachovia Bank ATM Oct. 4 at 3601 Sandy Plains Rd.. The device has been removed and is being investigated by the Cobb County Sheriff’s Department. Cobb law enforcement officials are urging caution for those using an ATM for banking purposes.

"Look at the card slot closely prior to making any transaction," said Cobb Police Lt. Mark Chenoweth. "If anything at all appears suspicious or unusual, do not use the ATM, and report your suspicions to the bank immediately."

The skimmer is the second reported in Cobb County this year. Chenoweth said another skimmer was found at a Bank of America in Marietta off Roswell Road "several months ago." Since cameras at ATM locations only turn on when a transaction is taking place, apprehending those responsible for placement of the skimmers is complicated.

While there was a recent arrest of someone allegedly using a skimmer in Metro-Atlanta, the suspect has not been tied to the bank crimes in Cobb.

The illegal devices that record card numbers are attached to the front of an ATM, and a small camera on it or nearby records a user's personal identification number. The Macon Police Department in Georgia reported skimmers had been used on gas pumps along I-75 about the same time the Bank of America was impacted by a skimmer there.

East Cobb resident S.C. Hopkins punches in his debit card PIN at the Racetrac gas station on Canton Road. Police officials in Macon, GA reported gas pumps in their city were found to have credit card skimmers on them several months ago.

The ATM Industry Association (ATMIA), which has 1,300 worldwide members and promotes ATM usage, recognizes abuses of the ATMs take place and is working to combat future problems. In Aug., 2009, the ATMIA announced the publication of its best practices for preventing ATM skimming.

"The ATM is exceptionally safe and convenient to use," said Mike Lee, CEO of ATMIA. " But, that doesn't mean there are no threats. Skimming is the one we most need to counter."

Cobb County Police Sgt. Dana Pierce said skimming is a crime that involves some sophistication and knowledge. He said the problem, however, is not county-wide, and the skimmers can't be set at a particular location for long periods of time.

"The trick for criminals is to install one and get as many numbers as possible before taking a skimmer down at a location," said Pierce. "This often involves placing them at a location at night or weekends."

Avoiding becoming a victim of those skimming can be hard, but police officials said there are some actions people can take to minimize their risks with skimmers and other criminal action geared towards debit cards:

Start going to one bank branch and use their ATM machine for all future transactions. This can help familiarize users with the surroundings (camera placement), and one can get familiar with the machine and know whether it has a card slot or card reader.

Before using an ATM machine, check for devices like extra video camera mounted to the ATM machine. This is another type of ATM scam in addition to skimming where thieves mount a wireless video camera inside the ATM area so they can watch as a PIN is entered.

Check the card slot to see if there is a plastic strip or film sticking out of it. Also; see if there is anything glued to the card reader or cash dispenser.

If a card is stuck inside the card slot, do not leave the machine. Call the branch or the bank's 24 hour service number, and report the incident by using your cell phone.

Use the card as a credit, rather than a debit, when possible. Most credit card companies cover 100% of fraudulent use on credits, rather than debits.

When you shop online, do not use a card as a debit card, if possible. Also, take note that online shopping does not require a PIN to be entered.

Make it a habit to check accounts often. Check for any unauthorized transactions and at the same time make sure the amount debited to each account is correct.

Report any stolen or lost ATM card immediately.