On Tuesday, September 27, 2016, Dubuque Police received credible information indicating a “skimmer” device was placed on an automated teller machine (ATM) at a local financial institution in a nearby city. Skimmers are typically placed over, or in, existing card readers on ATMs, gas pump card readers, & point-of-sale card readers at stores/restaurants. Typically, a small camera is attached on or near the key pad so personal identification numbers (PIN) can be obtained. In rarer instances, a key pad overlay is used and collects the PIN as it’s entered.

Users of ATMs and gas pump/point-of-sale card readers are encouraged to cover the keypad when entering PINs and make sure no one is near them when conducting the transaction. They should also check for skimmers and key pad overlays. As always, account statements should be closely monitored for unauthorized withdrawals or charges. If discovered, immediately contact the financial institution or company that issued the card as well as local law enforcement.

If you have any information regarding this criminal activity, please call the Dubuque Police Department at 563-589-4415 or Crime Stoppers at 800-747-0117 or 563-588-0714 (if the information leads to an arrest, the caller is eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000). You can also submit tips anonymously online at www.cityofdubuque.org/police or through the MyDBQ smartphone app available at www.cityofdubuque.org/MyDBQ.

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