ATM Fraud Protection Tips

The Creve Coeur Police Department (via their Crime Prevention e-newsletter) recently reported a skimming device found on an ATM at U.S. Bank at 11655 Olive. The bank inspects their machines daily and during a routine inspections the device was located inside the drive-up ATM. It is believed the device was in place for only a few hours and it is unknown if any customer information was compromised.

Since Brookdale residents frequent many of the businesses in this area and crooks are actively placing these devices, please review the following crime prevention tips you may find helpful in identifying potential skimming devices. Keep in mind these devices can be placed on just about any type of machine where a card is inserted, such as gas station pumps, and are not limited to financial institutions.

1) Prior to using a machine, inspect the card reader to ensure no external devices have been attached. Give the card reader a snug pull to ensure it does not come off. Also, check the machine to ensure anti-tampering stickers have not been cut or torn.     

2) Cover the key pad when inputting your PIN number. Most skimmers have a camera system which is used to record a victim entering their PIN. Always assume someone is watching.

3) Be proactive in monitoring the activity on your bank accounts. The faster you can identity fraudulent activity, the faster your financial institution can cancel your card.