POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. – The Town of Poughkeepsie and Hyde Park police departments are investigating two cases in which illegal skimming devices were placed on ATMs at banks located in those Dutchess County towns.

Since early September, town police said two unnamed bank locations -- one in the Town of Poughkeepsie and one in the Town of Hyde Park -- were targeted by two suspects who allegedly placed the devices on ATMs at each bank location last month.

According to police, the devices recorded the victims’ account numbers and authorization codes and the information was later used fraudulently.

The Town of Poughkeepsie and Hyde Park police departments are requesting the public’s assistance in identifying the alleged suspects from surveillance photographs at the ATMs. Anyone with information is asked to contact Town of Poughkeepsie Police Department at 845-485-3666.

Due to the incidents involving ATM skimmers, detectives are offering the following tips to protect residents from becoming victimized when using an ATM or other automated credit card readers:

-- Inspect the ATM, gas pump, or credit card reader before using it. Be suspicious if you notice that any parts are loose, crooked, or damaged or if you notice scratches or adhesive or tape residue on the device.

-- When entering your pin, block the keypad with your other hand to prevent possible hidden cameras from recording your number.

-- If possible, use an ATM that is located inside of the bank as these machines are less accessible to criminals to install skimmers.

-- If the ATM is located inside the bank and your card is required to access the inside, check the card reader prior to swiping your card.

-- Use caution when using ATMs in tourist areas. These machines are popular targets of skimmers.

-- If your card is not returned after the transaction or after hitting ‘cancel’, immediately contact the financial institution that issued the card.

-- Beware of ‘shoulder surfers’ – individuals behind you who may be looking over your shoulder to obtain your PIN number.

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