Police investigating card skimmer found on Cambridge ATM
Officials are warning residents, particularly during the “busy travel season” about credit card skimmers on local ATMs, after one such device—used to steal bank account information—was found on an ATM in Cambridge.
The illegal skimmer was found by a customer who was using an ATM at a local convenience store, according to Cambridge police. Police said the device was attached with double-sided tape, with a pinhole camera located on the plate above the money dispenser slot.
The devices, which police say are usually undetectable to ATM users, records data from credit cards, allowing whoever installed the skimmer to create a false copy of the card and steal from the customer’s bank account.
Police said Tuesday that they are working with local banks and educating local branch managers about card skimming schemes, which they said are not isolated to Cambridge.
Earlier this year, in what police said were “closely-related” cases, card skimmers were found on gas stations pumps in Quincy and Hingham. In March, a skimmer was also found at a bank in Methuen.
Cambridge police also offered a few tips to citizens to avoid falling prey to such schemes:
Inspect ATMs, gas pumps or credit card readers before using them. Be suspicious if you see anything loose, crooked, damaged or if you notice scratches or tape residue.
When entering your PIN, block the keypad with your other hand to prevent possible hidden cameras from recording your number.
If possible, use an ATM at an inside location.
Be careful of ATMs in tourist areas, as they tend to be popular targets of skimmers.
If your ATM card is not returned after a transaction or after hitting cancel, immediately contact the financial institution that issued the card.
“If an ATM appears to have been tampered with, please report it right away to the local business and the police,” Cambridge police Detective Brian O’Connor said.
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