NORFOLK — After a series of fraud scams were reported in Hampton Roads this year, Norfolk police discovered skimmer devices on ATMs in 7-Eleven stores.
On June 9, an employee at a 7-Eleven on East Ocean View Avenue called police after noticing “extra parts” on an in-store ATM machine. These extra parts were skimmers, and they are used to steal information, according to a Norfolk Police Department news release.
Another skimmer was found on an ATM at a 7-Eleven on Monticello Avenue on June 12.
A skimmer is a device attached to an ATM that electronically records card numbers. The skimmer is placed over the existing ATM card reader and saves information from the magnetic strip on the card, the release states.
Thieves have been known to steal pin numbers through hidden cameras placed near the PIN pads. There have also been cases where fake PIN pads have been installed on ATMs, allowing the PIN to be recorded and stolen.
Police have removed the skimmers on machines at both 7-Eleven locations. Fraud detectives urge customers who have used these ATMs to check their accounts for fraudulent activity.
ATM users are asked to contact police immediately if there are any signs that the machine has been altered.
“Always assume that someone is watching as you type in your PIN, whether it is over your shoulder or through a hidden camera,” wrote Sergeant Steven Hodgis, supervisor of the city’s Economic Crime Division.
“Cover your hand when you type in your sequence number, even if you don’t notice a skimmer at the ATM, covering your hand will help keep your PIN safe,” he added.
This ATM scam comes shortly after a series of phone scams were reported in Hampton Roads, including ones that deal with public utilities and jury duty.
In one scam, thieves have claimed to be workers from Dominion Power or Public Utilities and usually threaten disconnection of services unless the bill is immediately paid. In 2015, Dominion customers paid almost $200,000 in fraudulent payments.
Another scam that has surfaced in Norfolk in the last month includes thieves pretending to be city sheriff’s office employees informing residents that they have missed jury duty and need to pay a fine. The scammers have threatened city residents with jail time if they don’t hand over their cash.
To avoid losing money to scam artists, customers should check their account online for missed payments. If you think you’ve been scammed, contact the Norfolk Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP.
Wagner can be reached at [email protected].
