Police warn of cash-trap devices attached to ATMs in Philadelphia
Police in Philadelphia are warning customers to check their bank statements after cash-trap devices were reported in at least nine different locations throughout the city.
The skimming devices were found at nine different banks and ATMs in Philadelphia since March 15, Capt. Robert McKeever said Wednesday.
McKeever said four devices were found in the police department's south division, two in the east and three in the northeast.
The devices have been reported at five bank branches as well as variety stores, Dollar General and Dollar Tree locations and corner mom-and-pop stores, McKeever said. He added that a couple of the devices were found attached to Access Card machines, capturing people's PINs.
How the cash-trap device works, McKeever said, is that it would prevent the rolling door of an ATM from opening and dispensing money. Customers would believe the machine was either broken or out of money, McKeever said.
The police captain said six of the incidents were reported on Saturday, March 28, and the rest during the March 15 weekend.
He said a masked suspect or suspects would attach the cash-trap device to ATMs on a Saturday or Sunday since the branches were closed and couldn't take care of it until Monday.
Investigators believe two people are involved, but there could be more.
Police released surveillance photos showing two masked men. They said that surveillance video shows them fleeing in a dark-colored SUV with possible New Jersey registration.
McKeever said they're looking for more video, hoping to find the suspect or suspects with their masks down. He said police have a couple of leads and are working with loss prevention officers at banks throughout the city to alert their customers.
Police were alerted about the cash-trap devices by a bank, which then told the customer, McKeever said.
Investigators have three of the devices in possession and are running them for fingerprints.
Anyone with information about the suspects or who sees anything out of the ordinary at ATM machines in the city should call the police at 215-686-8477.
