A big warning tonight for anyone who uses an automatic teller machine to get cash, which is just about everybody these days.
Police in Medford, Burlington County, believe a man intent on stealing from bank customers installed what's called a "skimming device" on an ATM inside the lobby of a TD bank in Medford, New Jersey. A surveillance camera captured an image of the man on the morning of December 16th. It also captured a photo of his accomplice, who showed up at the same ATM to remove it late the next night. Over that 40-hour period, the device allowed them to copy the bank account information of hundreds of people. "A bunch of crooks," Michael Mickinak told Fox 29. "I don't know how they do that."
Police say it's easy to fool ATM customers. "They're very difficult to detect to the average person," Medford Police Chief Richard Meder said. "You're not going to notice that it's there."
Nobody did, not even police officers, who also fell victim to the scammers. Michael Mickinak didn't realize what had happened until this past Sunday, when he went to a supermarket, and his bank card didn't work. "The first thing I thought, maybe I didn't have enough money in it, but I knew I had enough money in my account, so I couldn't figure it out."
Police started receiving reports from victims last Friday. The crooks apparently had waited until now to use the stolen information. When Jane Cale heard the news, "I checked my accounts right away and found there was money missing." The crooks had stolen $1,500 from Cale's account.
What's more, the ATM on Stokes Road in Medford may not be the only one the scammers hit. "We believe other states are involved," Chief Meder told Fox 29. "We believe there may be other ATM's from other banks involved." Chief Meder acknowledged there potentially could be tens of thousands of victims. "Absolutely," he said.
The best advice for ATM users? When you're typing in your PIN code, cover the screen. Many skimming devices are not able to collect a PIN code, so the crooks will install a tiny camera near the ATM to get your PIN. However, some skimming devices are so sophisticated, even that won't work.
TD Bank says it will re-reimburse its customers for all losses, including overdraft fees.
Monday, June 17 2013 6:25 PM EDT2013-06-17 22:25:14 GMT
A vandal shattered both windows and nerves in a Cumberland County, New Jersey neighborhood. He did plenty of damage, but residents are thankful it wasn't any worse.
A vandal shattered both windows and nerves in a Cumberland County, New Jersey neighborhood. He did plenty of damage, but residents are thankful it wasn't any worse, because they know the vandal easily could have hurt someone.
Thursday, June 13 2013 5:55 PM EDT2013-06-13 21:55:49 GMT
A week ago Sarah cheered at the prospect of getting another chance at life. Now her family is waiting for her to take her first breath with her new donor lungs.
A week ago Sarah cheered at the prospect of getting another chance at life. Now her family is waiting for her to take her first breath with her new donor lungs.
Thursday, June 13 2013 5:44 PM EDT2013-06-13 21:44:11 GMT
It's a critical waiting period right now for a 10-year-old Delaware County girl. Sarah Murnaghan received her double lung transplant Wednesday, thanks to a judge's order that allowed her to get on
It's a critical waiting period right now for a 10-year-old Delaware County girl. Sarah Murnaghan received her double lung transplant Wednesday, thanks to a judge's order that allowed her to get on an adult organ donor waiting list despite her young age. And while the transplant is cause for celebration, Sarah still has quite a fight ahead.
Tuesday, June 11 2013 6:33 PM EDT2013-06-11 22:33:58 GMT
Golf fans are flocking to Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, getting ready for the US open. But with all the excitement comes some traffic headaches for residents of the mainline.
Golf fans are flocking to Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, getting ready for the US open. But with all the excitement comes some traffic headaches for residents of the mainline.
Monday, June 17 2013 10:45 PM EDT2013-06-18 02:45:53 GMT
An unspeakable crime in Southwest Philadelphia. The details are very disturbing. Police say a man who is a paraplegic has been stabbed and his genitals severed by another man, after the two got into an
An unspeakable crime in Southwest Philadelphia. The details are very disturbing. Police say a man who is a paraplegic has been stabbed and his genitals severed by another man, after the two got into an
Monday, June 17 2013 10:41 PM EDT2013-06-18 02:41:15 GMT
The Rolling Stones will perform in Philadelphia on Tuesday night at the Wells Fargo Center. Fans will undoubtedly buy memorabilia to remember the event. One item being sold at an auction will surely catch
The Rolling Stones will perform in Philadelphia on Tuesday night at the Wells Fargo Center. Fans will undoubtedly buy memorabilia to remember the event. One item being sold at an auction will surely catch
Monday, June 17 2013 10:25 PM EDT2013-06-18 02:25:38 GMT
An armed deli robbery is caught on camera. Two brazen gunmen held up the store owner with the man's kids right nearby. It's scary enough having armed gunmen storm your business.
An armed deli robbery is caught on camera. Two brazen gunmen held up the store owner with the man's kids right nearby.It's scary enough having armed gunmen storm your business.
Monday, June 17 2013 10:21 PM EDT2013-06-18 02:21:46 GMT
In Chester County, there was damage caused by severe storms as they ripped through the area this afternoon. It did not take long but it did quite a bit of damage.
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Monday, June 17 2013 8:44 PM EDT2013-06-18 00:44:29 GMT
South Philly neighborhood parents are so worried about cars speeding down their street while kids are at play that they installed their own speed bumps.
South Philly neighborhood parents are so worried about cars speeding down their street while kids are at play that they installed their own speed bumps.
Monday, June 17 2013 6:55 PM EDT2013-06-17 22:55:01 GMT
New Jersey is considering changing the requirements to be a teacher in the Garden State. A proposal would require prospective teachers to have at least a "B" average in college before they get certified.
New Jersey is considering changing the requirements to be a teacher in the Garden State. A proposal would require prospective teachers to have at least a "B" average in college before they get certified.
Monday, June 17 2013 6:51 PM EDT2013-06-17 22:51:37 GMT
Parents and Philadelphia staff members are going on a hunger strike. Hunger strikers will camp outside Governor Tom Corbett's office in Philadelphia until the system gets additional funding.
Parents and Philadelphia staff members are going on a hunger strike. Hunger strikers will camp outside Governor Tom Corbett's office in Philadelphia until the system gets additional funding.
Police on Wednesday released photos of two suspects they believed are involved in the skimming incident. (Medford Township Police Department)
