October 22, 2017 – Fake card readers have been found on ATMs in the Loop and River North, according to warnings issued by Chicago Police Department and Better Business Bureau.

The skimmers were found at 13 locations throughout the city, including four downtown Walgreens locations – 151 North State Street, 201 West Madison Street, 79 West Monroe Street, and 410 North Michigan Avenue.

The devices intercept account information encoded in the magnetic strip of a credit or debit card. Police say the skimmers were placed “over or inside the card slots” of the ATMs. Cameras were also placed so that hand movements could be recorded as people entered their PINs.

“Once a consumer swipes their card through the fake card reader,” explains the BBB, “their account information is sent to the scammer, leaving the consumer vulnerable to theft.”

Before using an ATM, inspect the machine, advises the BBB and Chicago police. Look for loose parts, pin holes, suspiciously-placed cameras, unusual signs, or anything that does not look right. Avoid ATMs in poorly lit or low-traffic areas. When entering your PIN, cover the keypad with your other hand.

“While skimmers have been around for years, the technology to steal account information continues to advance, and devices have become smaller and harder to detect,” said Steve Bernas, president and CEO of the BBB that serves Chicago and Northern Illinois.