Crooks hit multiple ATMs with card skimmer

Published: Updated:

ESTERO, Fla.- Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers is asking for the public’s help identifying two men, who installed high tech skimming devices on an ATM machines in Southwest Florida Saturday morning.

The first suspect was caught by surveillance video installing a skimming device at 6:45 a.m. at the Sun Trust Bank in the 1700 block of Main Street in Sarasota. The skimming device was put over the real ATM slot and was the same material and color as the original slot.

Just 10 minutes later, surveillance video at another Sun Trust bank caught a man installing a similar device. The second bank was located in the 3500 block of Vanderburg Way in Estero.

Upon arrival, detectives looked at the ATM machine, which had no visible signs of being tampered with, however upon closer review, they unveiled a high tech external skimmer and a separate pinhole recording device.

Fortunately, surveillance cameras near the ATM were rolling and captured images of a bearded man. Within just a few minutes time, the man removed a portion of the front of the ATM and placed the skimming device and recording device inside. He then re-assembled the mechanism, to give the appearance that it was a fully functioning, non-compromised machine.

“The individual who installed this device is clearly very well skilled in his trade,” said Trish Routte, Crime Stoppers Coordinator. “The installation was done quickly, and left no obvious signs that the machine had ever been tampered with. Had SunTrust security members not discovered the crime so quickly, there’s no telling how many customers would have had their personal banking information stolen.”

Lee County sheriff’s detectives believe that the person who installed the device at the ATM this morning is likely part of an enterprise which has installed other skimmers throughout the area. Sarasota police said it is believed the suspects or another person may have hit a bank ATM in Bradenton as well.

Anyone with information on the identity of the skimmer installer is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000. Tips may also be made online at www.swflcrimestoppers.org or by texting a tip to CRIMES (274637) Keyword: REWARD.

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