Fake faceplate on East Bay ATM may have skimmed users' credit cards

A nearly undetectable credit card skimming device was discovered at an ATM in Alameda. A nearly undetectable credit card skimming device was discovered at an ATM in Alameda. Photo: Alameda Police Photo: Alameda Police Image 1 of / 18 Caption Close Fake faceplate on East Bay ATM may have skimmed users' credit cards 1 / 18 Back to Gallery

Next time you use an ATM, be sure to give it a close inspection before entering your card.

As Alameda Police reported in a Facebook post Monday, one ATM (that in pictures appears normal) was apparently hiding a very slender fake faceplate over the buttons of the machine. There was also a small pinhole camera, which was used to record people as they punched in their PIN numbers.

Unlike many other cases of ATM modifications for skimming, this equipment was installed on an outdoor bank ATM, a machine generally assumed to be safe by users. This scam took place at 2416 Central Ave. in Alameda, at a Comerica Bank.

The post also cites data from FICO stating that "manipulated ATMs and point-of-sales devices increased by 8 percent" in 2017.

RELATED: Police warn residents about illegal credit card skimming devices

ATM skimming is a $2 billion dollar problem, according to Diebold Nixdorf, a company that manufactures ATMs. Makers continue to modify machines to try and stay ahead of cutting-edge scammers, but as the company notes, "nothing is 100 percent" criminal-proof.

They do offer some advice for concerned card holders. Most importantly, people should check bank accounts frequently to try to catch unauthorized charges before they post, and try to conduct most ATM-related business inside a bank branch.

RELATED: Credit card skimmers found installed at two Hayward ATMs right before Christmas

If one has to use an ATM, they should assess if any parts — the card slot or the button pad — are even slightly loose. If they are, it could have been tampered with. One more easy way to keep accounts safe is old-fashioned but effective: Cover the hand when entering the card's PIN number.

The Alameda Police also notes that anyone who encounters such a device should contact the police to file a report.

Alyssa Pereira is an SFGATE staff writer. Email her at apereira@sfchronicle.com or find her on Twitter at @alyspereira.

