Some banks are seeing value in anti-skimming equipment. One source is ADT Security Services. ATM skimming is when criminals electronically steal or “skim” a cardholder’s personal financial information during ATM transactions. By fitting an unseen portable electronic card reader and mini camera onto an ATM, they can potentially “cash out” debit card accounts, clone new debit/credit cards or sell cardholder personal information to crime syndicates. The firm has a video at: http://www.adt.com/medium_large_business/security_solutions/solutions_by_industry?wgc=financial_institutions/anti-skim

Maryland State Police report that an ATM skimmer was placed on a Bank of America ATM in Eldersburg, Maryland, and that possibly $30,000 was taken last week. Police have removed the skimmer, but say there could be more. State police have reported other incidents at various other banks in Northern Virginia and Maryland. Two men reportedly were photographed installing the skimming device, which collected card information from customers. The men then come back, removed the device, made counterfeit ATM cards with their stolen information and withdrew money. In Illinois, thieves used a Bank of America ATM to steal $20,000. Police report the criminals installed a skimming device on a drive-up ATM in Mt. Prospect. The skimmer reportedly was used on October 11, 12, 24, and 25, as well as November 26-29 to steal $20,192 from 316 debit card accounts. The criminals removed the skimmer before employees could find it. Several bank customers complained Monday, November 30, about unauthorized withdrawals. That report came a week after a similar ploy in Buffalo Grove, where more than $70,000 was taken from an ATM at a Chase Bank branch. Chase Bank officials told police that security video recorded two suspects placing a camera and recording device on the ATM inside the lobby of the bank on November 14. The two then returned on November 16 and used account information that was recorded to withdraw funds from multiple accounts.