Skim Scam in Rye at Citibank
The Citibank hit by skim scam in Rye
We were at the Rye Police Department Tuesday checking out the ATM scam that cost five locals money over the weekend when two more victims came in to report the same thing happened to them.
(see the official complaints, at end, below)
Police say security cameras on Sunday captured thieves installing a skimmer onto the ATM at the Citibank branch at 1040 Boston Post Road. Although the scam artists removed the device before it was discovered, the skimmer was in the machine long enough to record users’ ATM card and pin numbers.
If you want to know how a skimmer works, check out this FBI description.
Citibank has reviewed every account that was accessed through the ATM over the weekend and notified victims, police say.
The individuals reporting illegal withdrawals from their bank accounts this weekend, however, most likely had their personal information ripped off at a Rye ATM as long ago as November, police say. At least four of the illegal withdrawals, including one for $9,200, were made at ATMs in Manhattan. It usually takes about a month to make fake ATM cards with a magnetic strip that matches the original.
Police, who have been battling ATM skimmers since September, say the threat of them continues. Precautions include wiggling the ATM card slot (a loose ATM slot may indicate a skimmer), cover the keypad while entering your pin and be on alert for suspicious activity.
A recent skimming scam at the Staples store in the Town of Mamaroneck resulted in the arrest of an employee.
Complaints filed at Rye PD:
Assist Citizen: Someone stole $4,000 from a checking account and $2,000 from a savings account from an ATM in Manhattan without permission. Feb.5
Assist Citizen: Someone stole $1000 from a Citibank account from Avenue Of The Americas without permission. Feb.6
Assist Citizen: Someone stole $4000 from a Citibank checking/savings account without permission. Feb. 6
Assist Citizen: Someone stole $9200 from a Citibank checking/savings account in New York City without permission. Feb. 6
Assist Citizen: Someone stole $4500 from a Citibank checking/savings account on Park Avenue in New York City. Feb. 6
