Skimming Device Found At Arlington ATM

ARLINGTON, VA — You may want to check your credit card and bank accounts if you've been to an ATM in Clarendon recently.

Police said they were called to the 3000 block of Wilson Blvd. on Jan. 12 for the report of a skimming device located inside an ATM.

Skimming devices are attached to machines that have card readers. The device collects financial information, including PIN numbers, when an individual slides a card through the reader.

Police believe the skimmer was placed inside the machine between 4:30 p.m. Jan. 11 and 10:30 a.m. Jan. 12. There is no suspect description at this time.

Arlington County Police offer the following tips to prevent fraud:

• Always pay using a credit card instead of a debit card. Credit cards have better fraud protection, and the money is not deducted immediately from an account.
• If you have not already switched to a chip reader on your credit card, do so.
• Regularly check your bank statements and if you notice fraudulent activity, notify the bank so they can begin an investigation.
• Report to the police any crime, attempted crime or suspicious person or activity. If you have any doubts about something, report it — you may prevent a crime.

Photo via Arlington County Police Department