Six people used a bank’s ATM that had been compromised by a skimming device Sunday before an alert customer noticed something was wrong and contacted Manteca Police.
While using the drive-thru ATM in the 600 block of North Main Street before 9 a.m. Sunday, the customer noticed the card reader was loose. He recalled hearing about skimming devices before and pulled on the device and it came off.  He immediately reported his findings to the police.
Manteca Police collected the skimming device and are conducting an investigation. It appears the skimming device was placed on the ATM on Sunday at 6:46 a.m.
Within two hours, the device was located and removed. Six customers used the ATM during the time frame the skimming device was in place. Management at the bank has notified all customers who may have been affected.  Checks of the surrounding ATMs and other banks ATMs were done and no other skimming devices were located.
The  skimming  device goes over the normal card reading slot and reads the ATM card’s magnetic strip to collect data used to access bank accounts.
Manteca Police are warning citizens to be extra observant and to look for evidence of tampering to ATM machines.  The devices that are attached by the criminal will look like they belong; but are usually attached with an adhesive or other means which allows it to be easily pulled off of the card reader. The criminal will sometimes also install a panel containing a camera system on top of the ATM so the camera can read the numbers being inputted in the ATM.
Manteca Police are providing the following safety tips:
If you must use an ATM, choose one that is located inside a business, mall, or well-lighted location. Withdraw only the amount of cash you need.
Protect your PIN by shielding the ATM keypad from anyone who is standing near you. That includes putting your hand over the keypad so if a skimmer is in place it can’t record your access code as you enter it.
If someone is crowding you or trying to get you to hurry, make sure to end your transaction before stepping away from the ATM. If your transaction is still open, they may be able to withdraw money from your account.
Do not throw your ATM receipt away at the ATM location.
Do not give out your debit/credit card number or pin numbers.
If you see suspicious activity or encounter what you believe is a skimming device, call the Manteca Police Department immediately at (209) 456.8101.