Fraud Alert: Credit card skimmer found in Richland. There may be more in town
A credit card skimmer was discovered on at least one ATM in Richland and there could be more around the Tri-Cities, warn police.
Skimmer devices attach to debit and credit card readers, and steal the card information when they are inserted or swiped.
The thieves often use a tiny camera to also record the victim’s PIN number, giving the crooks access to the victim’s bank account.
“Once skimmers retrieve the data, they can start hitting up nearby ATMs to withdraw cash,” Pasco police said in a Facebook post. “The ATMs used to retrieve cash have been scattered all over the Tri-Cities, but a couple of them have been on Road 68 in Pasco.”
Kennewick and Richland police also said people reported being defrauded because of skimmers.
Richland police have found one of suspect and are looking for at least one more thief who was wearing a black baseball cap, a white or black mask, and a black or gray jacket and black T-shirt.
Skimmers are often found attached to ATMs or gas station card readers.
The skimmer may stick out more than normal and be easy to detach. At gas stations, people can check the sticker on the gas pump to see if it’s been broken or is missing.
If you notice something wrong with your bank statements, Pasco police said you should call the police department where the withdrawal was made and your bank.
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One card can end up being used in several different areas, so a person may need to talk to several different law enforcement agencies. Pasco police said people should keep track of the case numbers and the officers they speak with.
They also are asking businesses to make sure they have good cameras pointed at the ATMs and gas pumps.
“Employees should be alert for anyone at an ATM who appears to be taking a long time, particularly if they appear to be cycling through multiple cards,” said police.
Anyone with information about the thefts can contact Richland, Pasco or Kennewick police through the non-emergency dispatch number at 509-628-0333.