South Orange Police are warning residents about potential ATM skimming after an incident last week in which someone attempted to cut away a section of the rear ATM at the Bank of America on South Orange Avenue with a small rotary saw.
The incident occurred on Thursday, November 5, at around 12:05 a.m.
According to SOPD, the person cut away the section in which individuals slide their bank cards in to remove funds. There were no funds removed and stealing the card reader appears to be the person’s sole purpose. Police said that such acts are aimed at duplicating the face plate of the card reader then installing it on other ATM’s to fraudulently obtain card information, police said.
The South Orange Police Detective Bureau is investigating the incident as these types of incidents have been occurring in other jurisdictions within the state.
Meanwhile, South Orange Police Sgt. Adrian Acevedo released the following advisory:
Notice to our residents and commuters, pay attention when using bank ATMs. If you don’t know what card “skimming” is, check the image below (click on it to enlarge). In short, criminals will alter an ATM machine (including the card reader that gets you into the bank vestibule), gas station pumps, or other credit card readers with their own equipment. The alteration is usually easy to overlook. The equipment scans your card while a camera or fake keypad records your PIN. As an example, photos will be posted below. An attempt at a South Orange bank was made recently to alter an ATM. Be vigilant and, please, call the South Orange Police Department if you see anything suspicious. Residents can call Sgt. Acevedo at 973-763-3000 ext 7802 with any questions. As always, share this information and help spread the word.
Click on the photos below to enlarge.
