This came in as an e-alert from Bronxville PD:
The Police Department is investigating a crime that occurred at the HSBC branch located at 74 Pondfield Road. A skimmer and hidden camera were illegally installed at the ATM in an attempt to capture debit card numbers and personal identification numbers. The skimmer and camera were quickly detected by a customer and have been removed by the Police Department and secured as evidence. Several customers conducted transactions while the equipment was in place – all have been contacted by HSBC Security Division.
As a precaution against skimming, here are some suggestions. First, when using an ATM, before you put your card in the slot, put your hand on the slot and wiggle it. ATMs without skimmers will not wiggle at all. If there is a skimmer, the slot will seem loose. (The skimmer might even pop off into your hands.) If it does seem loose, you should alert the bank so they can check into it further.
Second, to prevent “shoulder-surfers” who might be trying to steal your PIN, always place your free hand over the hand that’s punching in the numbers. This will also prevent any camera that was installed from recording your PIN #.
Chief Christopher Satriale
1 Comment
This story doesn’t mention that at the Bronxville train station Chase branch, more than 50 people had their ATM info stolen by probably the same culprit via a skimmer also. One man had $1000 taken from his account. The branch was so crowded with account theft victims that the Chase branch had to call in employees from other Chase branches.