Santa Cruz police alert residents about credit card skimming

The Santa Cruz Police Department is alerting residents to check their debit and credit card statements after a bank employee discovered a card skimmer in an ATM machine.

A card skimmer is a device used to illegally gather bank account information.

The skimmer was found at a bank in Santa Cruz on Dec. 28. Several customers had complained that they could not fit their card into the ATM slots. A bank ATM technician investigated and found skimming devices in the machines and handed them over to police for evidence.

After reviewing bank surveillance, police gathered photos of a possible suspect.

SCPD did not release the name of the bank where this incident took place. The department did say they believe there are more skimmers set up around Santa Cruz. The skimmers can be attached externally or internally to an ATM or a gas station pump card reader.

“Thieves hide skimmers in plain sight and consumers using the machines would likely never notice the device. Thieves use stolen debit or credit card financial data to make new cards and are then using those new cards at businesses and financial institutions around town,” said SCPD spokeswoman Joyce Blaschke.

If you recognize the individual pictured above, you are asked to contact Officer Northrup at 831-420-5838.

“Santa Cruz Police reminds citizens to be diligent about checking their credit and debit card statements. We also want to encourage businesses with card readers to test their equipment. Detectives advise that if you locate a skimming device, please do not touch or remove the device. Immediately contact the police and notify the manager,” said Blaschke.

How to Avoid Being Skimmed Advice to Business Owners: Officers ask business owners and managers with electronic card readers to regularly and carefully check their equipment. The skimmers found recently are very small and not easily noticed.

Advice to Consumers: Officers encourage residents to be aware of signs that indicate skimming is occurring or has occurred.

– Inspect the ATM, gas pump, or credit card reader before using it…be suspicious if you see anything loose, crooked, or damaged, or if you notice scratches or adhesive/tape residue. You can wiggle the card insert location as well to make sure nothing comes apart.
– When entering your PIN, block the keypad with your other hand to prevent possible hidden cameras from recording your number.
– After swiping a card, you receive the “Transaction could not be completed” message or the device asks you to re-swipe multiple times. If your card isn’t returned immediately after the transaction contact the financial institution that issued the card.
-Look for suspicious vehicles near the ATM or for people hovering nearby watching over the skimming device.