See this at: utexas.edu| Added on 11/15/05

A team of organized criminals is installing equipment on legitimate bank ATMs in at least 2 regions to steal both the ATM card number and the PIN. The team sits nearby in a car receiving the information transmitted wirelessly over weekends and... See more

A team of organized criminals is installing equipment on legitimate bank ATMs in at least 2 regions to steal both the ATM card number and the PIN. The team sits nearby in a car receiving the information transmitted wirelessly over weekends and evenings from equipment they install on the front of the ATM (see photos). If you see an attachment like this, do not use the ATM and report it immediately to the bank using the 800 number or phone on the front of the ATM. The equipment used to capture your ATM card number and PIN is cleverly disguised to look like normal ATM equipment. A "skimmer" is mounted to the front of the normal ATM card slot that reads the ATM card number and transmits it to the criminals sitting in a nearby car. At the same time, a wireless camera is disguised to look like a leaflet holder and is mounted in a position to view ATM PIN entries. The thieves copy the cards and use the PIN numbers to withdraw thousands from many accounts in a very short time directly from the... See less

See this at: dailynexus.com| Added on 11/15/05

They’re helpful. They’re conveniently located. And they spit out your money in $20 bills. But the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Dept. is warning residents to be wary of a locally based scam that uses automatic teller machines (ATMs) to rob customers... See more

They’re helpful. They’re conveniently located. And they spit out your money in $20 bills. But the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Dept. is warning residents to be wary of a locally based scam that uses automatic teller machines (ATMs) to rob customers of their savings. The scam involves the insertion of an adhesive strip into the card slot, making customers’ cards stuck. A placard the thieves place on the ATM instructs the customer to enter his or her personal identification number (P.I.N.) three times in order to release the card. However, repeatedly entering the P.I.N. only allows nearby thieves to memorize the P.I.N. for their own illegal use after the customer has left without having been able to free his or her card. Three Bank of America ATMs have been used in the scam: one in Oxnard, one in Ventura and one on the 4800 block of Hollister Avenue. All three incidents happened between Feb. 9 and 15. No similar scams outside of the area have been reported. Sheriff’s department... See less

Highlights: And they spit out your money in $20 bills.

See this at: el-cerrito.org| Added on 11/15/05

This guide provides victims of identity theft with the major resources to contact. Unfortunately, at this time victims themselves are burdened with resolving the problem. It is important to act quickly and assertively to minimize the damage. In... See more

This guide provides victims of identity theft with the major resources to contact. Unfortunately, at this time victims themselves are burdened with resolving the problem. It is important to act quickly and assertively to minimize the damage. In dealing with the authorities and financial institutions, keep a log of all conversations, including dates, names, and phone numbers. Note time spent and any expenses incurred. Confirm conversations in writing. Send correspondence by certified mail (return receipt requested). Keep copies of all letters and documents. See less