ATM Skimming Device Found At Bank On Roberts Road

PALOS HILLS, IL — Police are alerting the community about a debit/credit card skimming device found Thursday morning at a Palos Hills bank.

The device was located in the drive-thru ATM at Bank of America, 10260 S. Roberts Road, Palos HIlls. If you recently used this ATM, Palos Hills police urge you to contact your financial institution and take measures to safeguard yourself.

A skimmer is a card reader that can be disguised to look like part of an ATM. Skimming occurs when devices illegally installed on ATMs, point-of-sale (POS) terminals, or fuel pumps collect card numbers and PIN codes which are then replicated into counterfeit cards.

The FBI offers the following tips for detecting a skimming device when using an ATM or point-of- sale machine:

• Inspect ATMs, POS terminals, and other card readers before using. Look for anything loose, crooked, damaged, or scratched. Don't use any card reader if you notice anything unusual.
• Pull at the edges of the keypad before entering your PIN. Then, cover the keypad when you enter your PIN to prevent cameras from recording your entry.
• Use ATMs in a well-lit, indoor location, which are less vulnerable targets.
• Be alert for skimming devices in tourist areas, which are popular targets.
• Use debit and credit cards with chip technology. In the U.S., there are fewer devices that steal chip data versus magnetic strip data.
• Avoid using your debit card when you have linked accounts. Use a credit card instead.

• Contact your financial institution if the ATM doesn't return your card after you end or cancel a transaction.