Maryland State Police are looking for a man they say has been stealing ATM card and code numbers off scores of people throughout Maryland and the region — to the tune of more than $100,000.
State Police were contacted by Olney-based Sandy Spring Bank last week with photos showing the suspect and evidence showing how the man is collecting ATM card data.
Police said the evidence indicates the man inserts a hard to see device into ATM machines that records magnetic strip information on ATM cards. Police said the man also installs an overhead camera on the ATM in order to record each customer’s password.
Once that information is stolen, police said it can be used to make unauthorized transactions in the accounts of unsuspecting victims.
State Police, working with local police in jurisdictions including Montgomery County, said they believe the amount of money this suspect has stolen is more than $100,000 from “scores of people” in multiple counties and possibly “one or more” bordering states.
In a press release on Monday, State Police did not specify in which counties or in which areas ATMs have been skimmed.
They also released two ATM surveillance photos of the suspect in the hope that someone can help identify him.
Sandy Spring Bank, which has multiple locations in the Bethesda and North Bethesda area, is offering a $10,000 reward for any information leading to the identification and arrest of the suspect. Anyone with information can contact the 24-hour tip line at the Maryland Coordination and Analysis Center at 1-800-492-TIPS.
Thieves using skimming technology to steal ATM card information is a persistent issue for banks around the country and region. Last year, Montgomery County Police said two men were using a skimming device at two ATMs in Bethesda and Chevy Chase.
Police provided the following list of tips for bank customers to protect their information:
•Review your account statements regularly and promptly report any errors.
•Request a new PIN and change it regularly to safeguard against unauthorized ATM and debit card usage.
•Cover the keypad with your other hand to block another person or a camera from viewing your PIN entry.
•Never provide your card information to anyone over the phone when you did not initiate the call.
•Sign up for text or email alerts to inform you when a change in your account occurs, such as low balance or irregular account activity.
•Keep your PIN separate from your card.
•Be aware of ATMs that appear to have been altered. If anything on the front of the machine looks crooked, loose or damaged, it could be a sign that someone attached a skimming device.
•Notify your bank immediately if your card is retained or gets stuck in any ATM machine, so your card can be blocked.
•Provide your bank with your updated phone numbers, so you can be contacted if suspicious activity is detected.
Photos via Maryland State Police
