Other U.S. cities have seen the advent of skimmers attached to ATM machines that look to rip off bank account information. The first of this type has arrived in Sioux Falls.

Police Officer Sam Clemens says the units were placed on cash machines at two different banks in the southwest part of Sioux Falls. Early indications show that the skimmers were only on the ATMs for a brief period and no one’s account information was compromised.

Clemens says there are two types of skimmers. One of them works with a wireless connection that can gather information remotely. “They still have to be fairly close to get the information (with that type).”

The other involves the installer returning to the site to retrieve the recorded data on the skimmer. “We think that the skimmer was found early enough before they had they had a chance to get information (from it).”

Regarding advice to protect yourself from becoming a victim, Clemens says covering the keypad is the most effective method. “There are two components to these skimmers. One part goes over the slot where you insert the card, the other has a camera that records the PIN number.”

Clemens further explains that by covering the keypad with your hand it prevents the skimmer camera from seeing which numbers are entered on the pad. “One of the detectives retrieved the video from the skimmer and said just putting your hand over the keypad is enough to shield the view. It’s a pinhole camera and it’s not something you would immediately recognize.”

Police say the devices were found on Friday August 7. The investigation is now in the hands of the Secret Service.

 

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