Skimming device removed from local bank’s ATM

Authorities report that an electronic skimming device such as those that have been reported frequently in nearby areas recently, was removed from an ATM at a Lawrenceburg bank on Friday.

Statement from First Farmers and Merchants Bank: Barry B. White

A Skimmer Device found on an ATM machine at our Locust St. location in Lawrenceburg, I am pleased to report as follows:

1. The device was found during a regular inspection of the ATM at our Lawrenceburg branch.

2. No customer information was identified, compromised or transmitted to any third party.

3. There is absolutely no action required by any customer, even if they used their card on Friday August 26th.

Officials with First Farmers and Merchants Bank on North Locust Avenue made the discovery around 8:00 a.m. and quickly notified the Lawrenceburg Police Department. They told officers that the ATM had been checked at a little after 4:00 p.m. the previous day. Bank officials had removed the device and placed it inside the bank vault prior to the officers’ arrival.

Authorities were reviewing surveillance video in an attempt to identify the person responsible.

The skimming devices, which have become a problem world-wide, are designed to look like a standard part of the ATM and are often piggy-backed onto the card reader.

The device is used to capture account data from the magnetic strip on the back of the card. It is often coupled with a pinhole camera to capture images of the individual entering their personal identification number.

The data can then be transmitted wirelessly to other devices. If the person responsible is successful in obtaining both the account data and PIN number, the information can be transferred onto a fraudulent card, giving them full access to the victim’s bank account.

Although the devices vary greatly in both looks and operation, officials warn bank patrons to stay alert to anything that looks suspicious. Become familiar with your bank’s ATM and make note of any changes. They advise covering the keypad with your free hand while entering your PIN number in the hopes of obscuring the view of any illegal pinhole cameras. Should you suspect an illegal device, notify your bank and police officials as soon as possible.