The Virginian-Pilot
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VIRGINIA BEACH
Police found a skimming device on an ATM in the 4200 block of Holland Road this week and are looking for two people who might have installed it.
A skimming device is used to record information from the magnetic strip of customers' debit or credit cards, according to a news release. It is installed over an ATM's card reader. At least one ATM user's banking information was used to make fraudulent purchases, according to the release.
The skimmer has been removed, and anyone who used an ATM in that area should check their account for fraudulent activity, police said.
Police recommend that customers check an ATM's card reader before inserting their debit or credit card. If the device is loose, a skimmer may have been installed. Don't use that machine, and inform the bank and the police, the release advised.
Police are seeking a male and female, who police say were recorded on the ATM's surveillance camera while installing the skimmer.
The first is described as a white female in her 20s with a slim build and medium length, wavy blond hair. She was last seen wearing a cream or beige shirtdress and dark flip- flops. Her hair was in a ponytail and she was carrying a dark handbag.
The second is described as a white male in his mid-20s to early 30s. He has a muscular build and short, dark hair, according to the release. He was last seen wearing a white T-shirt with black writing, jean shorts and dark brown flip -flops.
Police ask that anyone with information about this case or the suspects call the Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP (562-5887).
Kathy Adams, (757) 222-5155, kathy.adams@pilotonline.com
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Report ALL the Information
There are only two places in the 4200 block of Holland Road that fit the description:
Wachovia Bank
4287 Holland Rd, Virginia Beach, VA - (757) 467-6365
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Credit Union Services Center
4288 Holland Rd, Virginia Beach, VA - (757) 463-8848
Because of the nature of the incident, they should not have tried to cover up the banking institution. These banking institutions are getting far away from protecting the customers and they are more concerned with their own protection and preserving their names. What I find even worse is the Newspaper (Pilot Online), that is suppose to present the information to the public, is catering to the business and supressing much needed information.
a picture or description of
a picture or description of the device would be appreciated.
Multi-State
These scammers are working Maryland too.
http://www.hometownannapolis.com/news/top/2009/07/16-31/Card-skimming-scam-at-local-ATM.html?ne=1
http://www.hometownannapolis.com/news/reg/2009/07/23-12/2-men-charged-in-Frederick-ATM-skimming-scheme.html
This comment is awaiting staff approval.
How about a photo of the device.
Come on, Kathy!
Journalism 101:
Who What When Where Why How?
Remember?
Was the actual business name left out on purpose? If so...why?
While I don't bank in that area, I'm sure a lot of other people would like to know if their transactions were potentially compromised.
Why no bank name?
I'm the reporter who wrote this story, and I would like to address your concern, and the concerns expressed by other readers, regarding why I did not include the bank's name in the story. When this information came out, I inquired about the bank's name with the Virginia Beach Police Department. They refused to verify which bank the ATM skimmer was found at, saying that they didn't want people to stop visiting the bank. The next day, I called the bank where we heard the skimmer was found at, but was not able to reach anyone on a Saturday. I would have liked to have provided more information, but did not want to print the bank's name without verification. Thank you to all those who commented, Kathy Adams, Pilot reporter
ATM card skimmer
If they were observed installing the reader, why wasn't action taken immediatly ??
I also ind it interesting
that the Pilot reports both as being white. Its been a long time since I've seen an article in which a black suspect was called out as such.
RE: I also find it interesting
I also find it interesting that with someone stealing money from
the ATM machines, all you can think about is that the couple was
indentified by race.
Pilot policy on race in crime stories
To offer a note of clarification on your comment: We generally do not mention race unless it is part of a fairly detailed description, such as what type of clothing they were wearing, approx. height, build, etc. that could be used to locate a suspect. This applies regardless of race, so we would not describe a suspect as just white, black, Asian etc. Best, David M. Putney, PilotOnline producer