San Mateo Police received 80 reported cases of ATM/Debit card skimmer fraud during the month of December 2009. SMPD Detectives were able to determine that the suspects surreptitiously broke into a gas pump paying machine, and attached “a skimmer device” to the back of the key pad at the ARCO Gas Station. The skimmer was connected to a wireless recording device which captures the ATM card number and the PIN number. The victim customers have no way of knowing the device is attached because it does not disrupt the normal operation of an ATM machine, or the gas pump in this case, and does not interrupt any other functions.

The debit card information was recovered by the suspects via a wireless transmitter, electronically transferred via computer, handheld device, or smart phone and encoded onto a blank card so they can make withdrawals at any bank ATM cash machine. The suspects targeted ARCO because it is the only gas station where debit cards are accepted.

SECURITY TIPS: The only way a victim customer will know their ATM or bank information is compromised is if they check their balance. The suspects will withdraw cash at night when the banks are closed. Once the card is denied the suspect will discard it.

• Anyone who uses their ATM/Debit card for purchases should check their balance daily!
• Log onto your account and review your purchase history. Even if you haven’t made any purchases during the day, check to verify there was no unauthorized account activity.
• Always protect your PIN number from others and never have it written down in your wallet, purse, organizer etc…
• Pay with cash!
• Use a pre-paid ATM card. You can manage the amount you have available and it is not linked to your main bank account/funds.
• If you find unauthorized withdrawal’s contact your local police and report an Identity Theft report. Remember, your ATM card number, PIN number, or bank account information is defined as personal identifying information under section 530.55(b) of the Penal Code. This is Identity Theft!

For additional information about “skimmers” see this PDF document.