1-Feb-18 – In the new year, four more ATM skimming devices have been recovered from cash machines in or north of the Loop, bringing the total since last October to 15.

Nine have been at Walgreens locations. Four were at bank branches.

Two were discovered on January 25. A Walgreens customer discovered and removed a skimming device from an ATM at the pharmacy’s location on West Belmont Avenue, according to Chicago Police Department. Detectives were on-scene inspecting the device shortly before 3 p.m.

Then, a little after 10 p.m., a PNC Bank employee reported finding a skimmer on their ATM at 4201 North Lincoln Avenue.

The skimmers work by intercepting account information encoded in the magnetic strip of a credit or debit card. Some use cameras to record fingers as they type PINs. The data is collected and used to extract cash from the compromised accounts.

Police encourage ATM users to inspect the machine first, looking for any irregularities or loose parts. The card reader slot and PIN pad should not wiggle or have extra pieces visible. Nothing should move or pop off.

“If there is any type of irregularity or issue in placing the card into the card slot, do not use the ATM,” warned a recent CPD alert.

Investigators also suggest covering your hand when entering your PIN so that any hidden cameras cannot pick up your secret code.

Anyone with information about skimming incidents is asked to call the Chicago Police Financial Crimes Unit at 312-746-9661.