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600 Potentially Scammed By ATM Skimmers

Police Say To Pay Attention To Changes In ATM Card Reader

POSTED: 3:44 pm CST November 6, 2009
UPDATED: 2:33 am CST November 7, 2009

Carol Stephenson is among more than 600 potential victims in the Nashville area who used an ATM machine and unknowingly handed over all her information to thieves.

Video: ATM Skimming May Have Snagged 600 Victims

"It's unfair," she said. "You feel like you are invaded a little bit with your privacy."

Police said 60 people like Stephenson had between $100 and $5,000 taken from their accounts.

She found out what had happened when a security company called her. She said there was a $500 withdrawal from her account when she wasn't in the town.

Stephenson went online to check her bank account, and $500 was gone, even though her card was still in her purse.

Police said the card skimmer goes over the normal card reader. A transaction can still be made and cash received, but the thieves then have everything they need to tap into an individual's account.

"You are a little scared, because the first thing, you are, like, 'Oh my gosh. They just got $500. What else have they done? What have I not discovered yet?'" said Stephenson.

Investigators said five Bank of America ATMs have been hit, as well as an unknown number of US Bank ATMs.

Police said the problem is not isolated to Nashville.

"This sale that came through Nashville was in St. Louis and Kansas City prior to coming to Nashville," said Lt. Mickey Garner. "They left here, and we had some of our victims' stuff compromised in Bowling Green, so we think they went north, and now the last location is that they're using our victims' information in Las Vegas."

Police said customers who still choose to use an ATM should get cash and try to frequent the same machine, paying close attention to any changes to the card reader.

Stephenson said she's just going to get cash back at the grocery store from now on.

Investigators said these thieves were not targeting any particular bank. Apparently, their ATM of choice that they can manipulate is manufactured by a company called Diebold.


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