SALINA – Law enforcement authorities in Saline and Sedgwick County continue to investigate devices found this week used to steal information at banks in Salina and Wichita.
Salina Police Captain Mike Sweeney says the devices, called “skimmers” were found at two Sunflower Bank locations at 2450 S. 9th and 2070 S. Ohio.
Police were able to recover one device from the South 9th location, but someone removed the device at the South Ohio location that was watching it before police arrived.
Police say a chip inside the skimmer records information, without the victim’s knowledge, once the card is slid through the skimmer and into the ATM.
In addition to the skimmers, there are cameras associated with the skimmers.
Thieves install the cameras in an attempt to capture the victim’s personal identification number (PIN) number when they use their card.
Police believe these two cases in Salina are connected to a similar skimmer device discovered at a Sunflower Bank location in Wichita.
According to Wichita Police, a skimmer was also discovered Thursday at the Sunflower Bank located at 4101 E. Harry. Police in Wichita were able to remove that device before thieves were able to retrieve it.
Police say if you believe an ATM has a skimmer, you should not use the ATM. If the business is open, citizens should notify the business immediately and contact law enforcement.
Sunflower Bank customers can also report suspicious activity by calling 1-888-827-5564. Always be sure to check the card slot of ATM prior to using the machine. Look for anything that may look out of place or unusual, or for a false slot that is attached to the original card slot. It may stick out further or even look newer that the machine. Never use an ATM if the card reader appears to be added on, is loose, or fits poorly.
If the keypad appears to be thick or if it differs from how it usually looks, there could be an overlay over the real keypad. It may also be a good idea to use your hand to cover or shield your PIN from view when entering the number. If an ATM looks suspicious, in any way, do not use it. If something seems out of the ordinary, report it to bank staff immediately. Do not attempt to remove any suspected skimming device.
Additionally, customers that may have used one of these ATM’s are urged to monitor there bank accounts. Customers can change their PIN numbers or can have a new card issued at any of the effected Sunflower Bank locations. Bank officials say that extra staff was on hand Friday afternoon and will again be on hand on Saturday to assist customers that may have been effected by the skimmers.
If your card is from another financial institution, please contact them directly to report any suspicious activity or to change your PIN.