$100k Romanian ATM skimming operation busted

After a 2 month investigation, Putnam County authorities in Florida have arrested 2 individuals believed to be responsible for compromising 291 bank card spread across 10 banks in 5 counties. A woman and her Romanian nephew used wigs, gloves and bandages on their fingers too avoid leaving prints or evidence on tampered ATMs that led to over $100,000 being withdrawn using fraudulent bank cards.

Sheriff Gator DeLoach seized skimmer tools and magnetic stripe cards from the suspect’s apartment and called it “emergent technology" and the first that he’s seen in their region and area. Law enforcement also claim that the skimming operation is so large that they do not know if there are more fraudulent card readers out there or suspects at large.

The only way for ATM users to detect possible skimmers is to use the same ATM frequently and take notice. That way, you are more likely to notice if something should change such as a panel or bezel color or unusual wear and tear that might indicate tampering. Beyond that, there’s not much consumers can do aside from avoiding ATMs not located in the security of a bank vestibule or lobby.

@ScottBVS
@BVSystems