The Raleigh Police Department is urging users of ATMs to be aware that skimming devices and hidden cameras have been used in this area and elsewhere to fraudulently obtain ATM card data and personal identification numbers (PINs).

As the attached sample photographs of skimmers illustrate, the devices can be hard to detect. Photos Skimmer-1 and Skimmer-2 show skimming devices that have been placed over the card slots of ATMs that pull cards inside to be read. Skimmer-3 shows a skimming device that looks like a swipe reader. Skimmers come in many forms, and these photos are only examples.

A tiny camera is hidden nearby a skimmer to record PINs as they are entered. The camera might be concealed in a small box that would appear to be a brochure holder, or simply attached nearby with double-sided tape. Some of the cameras wirelessly transmit video images to nearby suspects.

Skimmers record data from the magnetic strips on the back of financial cards, and that information is used to manufacture counterfeit cards. Together with the PIN information obtained by the hidden camera, suspects use the counterfeit cards to make purchases or withdraw funds from the accounts of victims.

Skimmers and cameras are often left in place for a relatively short period of time and removed before fraud is detected.

There are some tips that will help ATM users reduce the chances of compromising their financial data:

• Closely examine ATM card slots to make sure nothing appears to be attached to the front of them;
• Do not use an ATM if the card reader appears to be added on, to fit poorly or to be lose;
• Avoid device instructions that say things like "Swipe Here First" or "Use This Machine Only;"
• If something does not look right, use another ATM;
• Always cover the ATM keypad as you're entering your PIN in case a hidden camera is nearby;
• Don't accept "help" from anybody at an ATM machine; and,
• Immediately call the customer service number on the ATM if a machine keeps your card, appears suspicious or does not function properly.

Victims of unauthorized transactions should immediately report the activity to law enforcement and to their financial institution.