Alleged Scammer Spotted At Two Brandon Area ATM Machines

Hillsborough County detectives seek help in identifying a man they say tampered with at least two ATM machines in the Greater Brandon area.

The man removed two security mirrors and attached a credit/debit skimming device to a Chase ATM machine at 1101 West Brandon Boulevard Saturday, April 16 at 7:18 p.m. He returned the next day and removed the skimming device, according to a release from the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office today, May 3.

The same man was seen at a Valrico branch ATM, 2615 State Road 60, Sunday, April 17 at 8:24 p.m. Later the same day, a customer also reported a suspicious looking man at a Causeway Boulevard banking center between 9:50 and 10:02 p.m. When she approached the ATM she noticed tape over the transaction camera.

Skimmers are designed to steal debit card numbers and account information stored on the card's magnetic strip. They often are camouflaged to fit gas pumps and ATMs, and they may be equipped with hidden cameras. The cameras take snapshots of debit card PIN numbers as consumers enter them. Once the scammers have the account information, they use it to make unauthorized purchases and withdrawals.

The man is described as white, 5-foot-10 to 6-feet tall with a medium build and weighs 220 to 230 pounds. He was driving a black Ford pickup truck, deputies said.

Anyone with information about the man's identity or wherabouts is asked to call the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office at 813-247-8200 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-873-TIPS (8477). Rrt anonymously online atwww.crimestopperstb.com or text "CSTB (plus your tip)" to C-R-I-M-E-S (274637).

How to protect yourself against ATM skimmers:  

• Beware of ATM machines with exposed wires, a loose scanner, multiple scanning devices, or a sticker that says "scan here first." If you spot any of these things, do not use the machine.
• Do not use an ATM if someone offers to assist you with your transaction. Criminals may pose as another customer, a bank employee or a machine technician to make sure you use a skimming device.
• Be secretive when entering your pin number. Cover the keys with one hand in case someone is looking over your shoulder or there is a hidden camera nearby.
• Only use ATM machines that are familiar to you. This will help you recognize any tampering that has occurred with the machine.
• Use ATM machines owned by your financial institution. These machines are often located in places where criminals cannot install their devices.
• Check the balance on your ATM card often so that if someone steals your information, you can minimize the damage. The faster you respond to ATM card theft, the sooner your financial institution may begin helping you recover any loss.

Source: Division of Financial Institutions