Man Linked To ATM Skimmers Arrested, Police Say

BRANDYWINE, MD — A 34-year-old man has been charged after police say he put skimming devices on ATMS at two county gas stations earlier this month.

The Prince George’s County Police Department’s Financial Crimes Unit's preliminary investigation indicated that the suspect recorded himself placing both a camera and a skimming device on an ATM at a gas station in Brandywine on Oct. 2. The suspect placed a total of three skimmers on ATMs at two gas stations in Brandywine that same day. Investigators recovered all three devices just hours later, preventing the suspect from stealing any personal financial data from those who used the ATMs, police reported.

The suspect in the case has been identified as 34-year-old Pioter Fedorenko of no fixed address.

Skimming devices can be placed at ATMs and point-of-sale terminals inside of retail stores, grocery stores, convenience stores or any location where credit card transactions are conducted, the police department stated.

So far this year, FCU has been notified that approximately 45 skimmers have been recovered from across the county.

Investigators offer the following guidance to help avoid being victimized:

• Swiping your credit/debit card places you at the greatest risk of compromise - contactless credit cards or “Tap to Pay” or Apple Pay is a safer method of payment
• Stores with heavy customer traffic are a greater risk for skimmers
• If possible, always use ATMs inside of banks
• Be vigilant for devices with inoperable chip readers

If you believe there is a skimming device on an ATM or any card reader in the county, or you believe you have been a victim of a skimming device, contact the police department and notify store personnel, leave the device in place and allow law enforcement to remove it.

PGPD detectives investigating skimming devices can be reached at 301-516-1464. Callers wanting to remain anonymous can call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477), or go online at www.pgcrimesolvers.com or use the “P3 Tips” mobile app search “P3 Tips” in the Apple Store or Google Play to download the app onto a mobile device.