Cambridge Police Advise Citizens & Banks to Beware of ATM Skimming Schemes

The Cambridge Police Department would like to remind ATM users to be aware of skimming devices at area ATMs. These skimming devices are being used as part of an ongoing scheme by thieves to steal account information from customers and defraud banks. In recent weeks, skimming devices have been discovered in the greater Boston area, including Cambridge.

 “If an ATM appears to have been tampered with, please report it right away to the local bank and the police,” stated Detective Brian O’Connor at the Cambridge Police Department. “Additionally, we advise that bank customers stay vigilant with their balances and account information.” 

Special attention is being placed on ATMs by Cambridge Police patrol officers, particularly during the hours of bank closures. The Cambridge Police and its Investigations Unit are working with local banks and educating regional and branch managers about these schemes, which are not isolated to Cambridge.  

The Cambridge Police previously notified citizens and banks of this scheme after ATM skimmers were used between November 2013 and January 2014 in Cambridge to capture account information.                   

What is an ATM Skimmer?
It is an illegal activity that involves the installation of a device (generally while a branch is closed), usually undetectable by ATM users, that secretly records bank account data when the user inserts an ATM card into the machine or an ATM door card reader. Criminals can then encode the stolen data onto a blank card and use it to steal from the customer’s bank account.

The Cambridge Police advises local citizens to use precaution and suggests following these tips to help you avoid falling victim to skimmers:

• Inspect ATMs, gas pumps or credit card readers before using them. Be suspicious if you see anything loose, crooked, damaged or if you notice scratches or tape residue.
• When entering your PIN, block the keypad with your other hand to prevent possible hidden cameras from recording your number.
• If possible, use an ATM at an inside location.
• Be careful of ATMs in tourist areas, as they tend to be popular targets of skimmers.
• If your ATM card is not returned after a transaction or after hitting cancel, immediately contact the financial institution that issued the card.

If citizens are suspicious or experience this type of activity, they are encouraged to report it to the Cambridge Police Department immediately by calling 617-349-3300.

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The Cambridge Police Department is committed to the enforcement of laws and preservation of order that protect the rights and property of every person within the City of Cambridge. Our mission is to provide the highest quality of police service and to impact crime, and its associated elements, through the utilization of new and proven crime prevention strategies and problem-solving partnerships with our community.  For more information, follow @CambridgePolice on Twitter, or access the department’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CambridgePolice.