Alert: ATM Skimmers Found in Scottsdale

SCOTTSDALE - Scottsdale Police are warning ATM and bank card users about skimmers that have been found on two ATM machines near Scottsdale and Shea -- and there could be more.

The technology was so good, it was hard to tell a credit card number-skimmer was attached. The skimmer reads the card's number from the magnetic strip.

One Wednesday, a customer noticed the Bank of America ATM machine he regularly uses looked different. He reported it, and the bank found a skimmer attached.

That same day, at another Bank of America, an ATM tech found an identical skimmer.

"They're getting the information from the card, and they're sending it overseas or using it online themselves, and then they're just racking up debt until the card gets maxed out," says Sgt. Mark Clark with Scottsdale PD.

Police say if the green lights surrounding the ATM card slot are dim or not working, that's one way to spot a skimmer. But not all ATM machines have lights.

Scottsdale Police are looking into the surveillance video taken outside the banks to see if they can pinpoint the suspects.

Police advise users to check their bank account balance every day. Also, when using any ATM, inspect the front for unusual or non standard appearance. Scratches, marks, adhesive or tape residues could be indicators of tampering. Pay particular attention to all of the touch and action points such as the keypad and card entry slot. The devices may appear like part of the machine, but close inspection may reveal subtle differences in texture or color. If you think the ATM has a device attached to it, do not touch it. Immediately report your concerns to the bank.