The Aurora Police Department is hoping to get some help identifying these two suspects wanted for their roles in allegedly placing skimmers and pinhole cameras on two ATM’s at two different Aurora banks on Sunday, June 4.

They appear to be the same two who placed similar devices on ATM’s in Yorkville and Batavia on the same day.

The devices, which are used by criminals to steal credit card, debit card and PIN numbers, were found at bank locations in Aurora in the 1300 block of N. Farnsworth and 1200 block of N. Orchard. It is believed the Farnsworth Avenue device was placed by the suspect(s) at 9:11 a.m. and the one on Orchard at 9:38 a.m.

Anyone who can help identify them or who may have information is asked to call Investigations at 630-256-5500, Aurora Area Crime Stoppers at 630-892-1000 or submit tips using our My PD app.

How Skimming Works

Police are reminding residents of the importance of inspecting ATM machines for these types of devices before you use them. Here’s how they work:

The skimmer grabs data from the magnetic stripes of credit and debit cards every time they are swiped giving a criminal plenty of information he or she can use to clone card numbers or break into bank accounts and steal money. The skimmer, which is smaller than a deck of cards, is designed to easily slip over the machine’s actual card reader.

The pinhole camera can be incorporated into the skimmer, on top of the ATM or just to the side inside a plastic case that may contain brochures or other materials. They then capture PIN numbers as they are inputted by the ATM user. Fake number pads installed over the actual keyboards that record the PIN numbers as they are entered have also been used which negates the need for the tiny pinhole cameras.

The devices were discovered before anyone’s personal information was compromised. We are currently involved with agencies in other jurisdictions which have uncovered similar devices.

What To Do If Info Is Stolen

So what can you do to help make sure your information is not stolen?

Check for tampering on the ATM (or credit card reader) before you begin your transaction. Look at the top of the machine, near the speakers, the side of the screen, card reader or keypad. Any obvious signs including different colors or materials? Maybe the graphics don’t line up? Something does not look like it fits properly in the machine? Do the card reader, keyboard, or other parts of the machine move when you touch them?

If something doesn’t seem right, don’t use that machine and call the police.

“In fact, it was a bank customer that discovered the skimmer on Farnsworth Avenue because it was loose, and the card didn’t fit in correctly,” Aurora Media Relations Manager Dan Ferrelli said in a Facebook post.

When you enter your PIN, assume someone is always looking — whether over your shoulder, or with a pinhole camera. Cover the keyboard with your hand when you input your PIN.

If your information does get stolen, remember to report it to your bank and debit/credit card company. Keep close watch over your accounts also, because time is of the essence if you are victimized.

Remember too that banks and credit card companies have very rigorous fraud detection policies and will immediately reach out to you at the first sign of something suspicious.

Further information on how to keep your transactions secure is available from your financial institution or debit/credit card company; the Federal Trade Commission and the various credit bureaus.

SOURCE: City of Aurora Facebook page