Edmonton police are asking for the public's help in identifying the male suspect who is seen in this picture installing a pinhole camera in the valance above an ATM as part of a card-skimming operation in the city. (Supplied photo)
New dogs are up to old tricks, costing Edmontonians an untold amount of cash, warn cops.
Police announced yesterday they have discovered more bank card skimming operations in the city.
Police announced yesterday they have discovered more bank card skimming operations in the city.
Now they've issued a public plea to help identify a man suspected of installing illegal equipment.
That suspect, believed to be part of a team of crooks targeting bank ATMs, was captured in a photo that appears to document him installing a camera above a cash machine.
Scams have been uncovered at several Edmonton financial institutions, although police declined to identify which ones.
That suspect, believed to be part of a team of crooks targeting bank ATMs, was captured in a photo that appears to document him installing a camera above a cash machine.
Scams have been uncovered at several Edmonton financial institutions, although police declined to identify which ones.
Customers became victims of the crime after swiping cards to gain access to banks, cops said. Detectives believe magnetic stripe information is gleaned during that step.
Criminals also installed cameras above bank machines, allowing them to view users inputting personal identification numbers, say police.
Criminals also installed cameras above bank machines, allowing them to view users inputting personal identification numbers, say police.
There's nothing innovative about it, said Det. Al Davis, of the Edmonton Police Service's economic crimes division.
"It's actually an old trick redone again," Davis told Sun Media. "These guys develop a technique and stick with it."
Though police believe this particular crew began their crime spree in Calgary, Davis said almost all of the 15 documented offences occurred in Edmonton.
That concerns some city shoppers.
"I want to be very careful," said retiree Peter Dyck, who just returned from a seven-week trip to British Columbia.
"On our trip to Vancouver, Kelowna and Victoria, I seldom used my credit card. I got cash out of the bank and used it instead."
When Dyck does use money machines, he said he's always looking over his shoulder to ensure he isn't being spied on.
Such precautions would likely be lauded by Davis, who advised consumers to take numerous steps to avoid becoming victims.
"Covering your PIN will prevent the bank account from being accessed," Davis said. "It will prevent the crime."
He noted consumers should also give ATMs the once-over before inserting cards, to ensure unusual pieces of equipment aren't attached.
"If you see something that looks odd, grab ahold of it and see what happens," he said, adding pieces installed by crooks often detach easily.
Police aren't certain how much cash the crooks have made off with, but Davis said it's likely significant.
By MICHELLE THOMPSON
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