Deputy discovers ATM skimmer at Hickory bank

HICKORY, N.C. — Two skimming devices have been found on ATMs with the help of an Alexander County sheriff deputy in the Hickory area.

Dep. Jake Lemley knew something was wrong when he inserted his debit card in an ATM at a bank on Highway 70 Southeast.

"When I put my card in, I noticed it went in a little bit further than it should have,” Lemley said. "So then I went ahead and pulled it back out and shook it, and I realized hey. it's not right."

Police released surveillance pictures of the thief installing the card readers not only at this bank, but another on North Center Street.

"Any kind of object protruding from the front of the ATM," Hickory Police Department Lt. Scott Hildebrand said, regarding what to look for at an ATM that may be unusual.

Customers should grab the card reader to see if it moves.

"It's going to be stuck on there," Hildebrand said. "It's going to be a temporary device, because whoever is trying to steal the info is going to come back shortly to take it off."
 
A tiny hidden camera was also found nearby possibly allowing the thief to get PIN numbers.

Lemley is glad he found the device before the information could be retrieved by the suspect.

"It's horrible,” Lemley said. “There's no sense in it, you know.  People out here trying to make an honest living, and people out here and robbing right off of everybody."

Police said if you notice a problem with your bank ATM, contact them immediately, and always use your hands to cover up and prevent anyone from getting your PIN code.

Cox Media Group