Belmont ATM Skimmer Suspect Arrested

BELMONT, CA — A Seattle man was arrested late last month in connection with a suspected skimming operation, Belmont police said.

Nicolae Diaconu, 29, was arrested on suspicion of possession of a skimming device, resisting a peace officer and conspiracy, police said. He was subsequently booked into the San Mateo Maguire Correctional Facility.

Officers on Dec. 30 responded to a local Bank of America after a technician located a skimming device in one of the ATM machines and a camera set-up nearby, police said.

Officers assigned to surveil the ATM machines arrested Diaconu in the early morning hours of Dec. 31, when he returned to the bank to collect the device, police said.

“The Belmont Police Department wants to remind the community to check ATM machines and the surrounding areas prior to utilizing their services,” the agency said in a statement.

“If the ATM machine appears to be tampered with or asks for more information than usual, such as the CVC code from your card, consider stopping your transaction and reporting the information to the banking institution or the local police department.”

It is believed Diaconu did not act alone, and Belmont detectives are requesting anyone with information call the tip line at (650) 598-3000.