CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte-Mecklenburg police are asking for the public's help identifying a group of suspects who they say have been placing card skimmers on ATMs across the Charlotte area.
Charlotte Crime Stoppers shared multiple photos of the suspects on Twitter, saying the skimmers were found on machines throughout Charlotte. The agency urges anyone who uses an ATM to be careful about inserting their card into a machine.
The skimmers are small devices used to steal card information from users so their money can be accessed by thieves.
If someone needs to use an ATM, Tom Bartholomy with the Better Business Bureau suggested to WCNC Charlotte to stick to the machines at banks because they're checked regularly.
If using a credit or debit card elsewhere, Bartholomy recommended slightly inserting it and moving it side-to-side, wiggling the device to ensure it's not a fake.
"If it's difficult to insert [the card] or if [the reader] moves at all, tell the store manager, tell the clerk that something doesn't seem right,” Bartholomy said.
Other ways to avoid becoming a skimming victim, according to Bartholomy, include using the "tap to pay" option or virtual payment options like Apple Pay.
If an individual becomes a skimming victim, Bartholomy said to alert the store where it may have happened, call police and the bank where the card was issued.
"Not every merchant, unfortunately, has switched over to just the chip technology to accept just chip cards," Bartholomy explained. "Until that's done, we're going to be at risk.”
WCNC Charlotte has asked CMPD where the skimmers were found and if investigators are contacting potential victims and is waiting to hear back.
Any person with information about these suspects or any other card skimmers is asked to call CMPD's Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600. All calls to Crime Stoppers are anonymous.
Note: WCNC instituted a new policy in March 2021 regarding the broadcast or posting of mugshots.
WCNC will only air or post a mugshot if the person has been formally charged with a crime and in a few other cases. The exceptions include: If it appears the person could be a danger to themselves or others or if they are wanted by authorities; to differentiate between people with a common name; if the photos could encourage more victims to come forward. The news-editorial leadership may also decide to use a mugshot based on the severity of the crime(s) committed and/or the level of public interest in the crime and ensuing criminal proceedings.