Caution urged after skimming device found at ATM

A typical skimming device (Courtesy photo)

ROCHESTER - After at least one skimming device was found at a Rochester bank's ATM earlier this month, police are warning ATM users to use caution when withdrawing money from all cash-dispensing machines.

Skimming is when a device is place over an ATM's legitimate card reader to steal customers' identity. Often a pinhole camera is used to steal PIN numbers.

In some setups false keypads are placed over the original keypad to obtain pin numbers. Many of these devices have either some type of memory device or are bluetooth enabled to send the information to a suspect computer.

Skimming devices can be very difficult to detect if users are unfamiliar with the machine.

On Aug.22 one was discovered at a Northeast Credit Union ATM, however police believe it was dismantled by bank employees before anyone's identity was stolen.

Rochester Police advise that when possible use machines that are used frequently by other patrons and ones you are familiar with, so if something looks out of place since your last transaction, you'll notice it.

If someone suspects the ATM has been tampered with or altered, it is suggested they contact the owner of the ATM machine, manager at the device location or police.