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OREM — A recent skimming incident in Orem has police reminding residents to always be mindful when using an ATM or other bank card readers.
On May 11, employees at a bank in Orem discovered a skimming device had been placed on their ATM machine. The device was believed to have been there for several hours, said Orem Police Lt. Craig Martinez. He did not reveal Tuesday the location of the bank saying that all the customers who were believed to have been affected had been contacted.
"Skimming" is when a device is placed over a bank card reading device, such as an ATM or at a gas pump, and the card number recorded and then often sold to other people who fraudulently use someone else's bank card.
- Make sure your card stays in sight
- Treat your credit card like cash
- Monitor credit card receipts and check them carefully against bank statements. Some thieves take out small amounts in hopes cardholders won't notice
- Shred unwanted financial solicitations and put your mail on hold when you leave town to avoid ID theft
Source: creditcards.com
Martinez said customers should always check an ATM before using it. A skimmer will typically be a different color than the rest of the machine, he said.
Surveillance video of the man who allegedly put the skimmer in the machine was retrieved by the bank and turned over to police. He later was recorded returning to the ATM, apparently in an attempt to retrieve his device. The search for the suspect continued Tuesday. The FBI's Cyber Crimes Division was assisting Orem police.
Anyone with information can call police at 801-229-7070.
