2 Men Suspected Of Stealing Money From ATMs With Cloned Credit Cards
DENVER (CBS4) - Police have distributed a crime alert asking for help in identifying two men who have been using cloned credit cards to steal money from ATMs.
Pictures of the suspects were taken during the middle of the afternoon on May 8 at ATMs throughout the Denver Tech Center. Police say the men targeted five ATMs on both Evans Avenue and on East Belleview Avenue.
"They clone credit cards, and they're taking money out of the different ATM machines," said Raquel Lopez of the Denver Police Department.
Police believe they also had numerous stolen gift cards. They said the two men, possibly foreign nationals from Europe, may be part of a larger identity theft ring.
Prof. Jason Lewis, who teaches computer science at the University of Colorado Denver, said this type of cloning crime is common in Denver.
"They happen very frequently, they're very easy to actually perpetrate. The mere act of skimming is super easy, it only takes half a second to do, and most of the time individuals don't even know it's happened to them," he said.
Lewis says credit cards with encrypted chips offer the best protection. In this case, the suspects likely used a pin camera at an ATM to record fingertip motion.
Police hope a $2,000 Crimestoppers reward will help to locate the suspects.
"They did get a lot of money throughout the different ATMs. At this time it's important that we alert the community, and that we also try to find out who these suspects are," said Lopez.
Police said if you believe you are a victim of credit card skimming, be sure to file a report with both your bank and with police.
Crimestoppers Information
The following information was released by Denver Police in relation to this case:
CALL METRO DENVER CRIME STOPPERS
720-913-STOP (7867)
Text to: 274637 (CRIMES) then title DMCS & enter your message.
Crime Stoppers collects information on unsolved crimes or individuals wanted by the police.
Callers can remain anonymous. The tip line is answered 24 hours a day - 7 days a week