ATM Card Skimming Case Reminds of Need for Awareness

An ongoing investigation into an ATM card skimming scheme serves as a reminder for all residents to be cautious when they're withdrawing money, Pasco County Sheriff's officials said.

"We are always cautioning citizens about this technology and how criminals are using it," said Kevin Doll, sheriff's office spokesman.

A recent case in West Pasco has brought attention to this type of crime. That scheme has compromised at least 44 accounts and defrauded cardholders of more than $26,000 combined, Pasco detectives say.

Detectives believe a skimmer, a device used to copy credit or debit card information and transfer it onto clone card, was used overnight on several occasions in August at the walk-up ATM at the Bank of America at 4539 Bartelt Road in Holiday.

Detectives released images of the suspect but do not have a name. Other people are believed to be involved. 

“We do believe that this is a sophisticated group that is very knowledgeable about what they’re doing,” said John Suess, a detective with the Pasco economic crimes unit.

The compromised accounts belonged to people in Pasco or Pinellas, Seuss said.

The only bank Seuss said he could confirm the skimmer was placed at in Pasco was the Bank of America in Holiday.

Seuss said that Bank of America officials contacted the Sheriff’s Office about the skimmer at the end of business Friday, Aug. 26, and gave the agency images of the suspect caught on camera. The Sheriff’s Office does not have possession of the skimmer, but Suess said a gluey substance and signs of damage were found on the Holiday ATM. Detectives believe the information was used to clone cards and make cash withdrawals from banks at least as far south as Clearwater.

The Secret Service was alerted, and Seuss said Pasco is working with Pinellas County and Clearwater Police.

What to Watch For

According to Doll, residents throughout the county need to be mindful of this type of theft. They should look for irregularities at ATM machines, such as faceplates that jiggle, glue residue or extensions on the card readers, and report anything that seems amiss to bank officials.

“Consumers need to be aware that this (skimmer) could be on any bank ATM,” Doll said. 

Cecelia Barreda, a spokeswoman for the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, said Pinellas detectives “have several open cases involving illegal skimming” but could not say if they were connected to the Pasco case.

She said 12 accounts have been compromised in Pinellas.

If you have information about the suspect, please call Suess at 1-800-854-2862, ext. 7488.

Editor's note: This article was updated at 8:18 a.m. Sept. 1.