News

Skimming fraud in Ohio raises the question, 'Is this a new trend?'

June 13, 2012

A rash of skimming crimes at Ohio ATMs in recent months has authorities wondering if they're on the verge of an unwelcome trend — one in which skimming gangs begin to work their way from major cities into smaller metro areas.

According to a report by the Toledo Blade, a skimming device was found on an ATM at a Fifth Third Bank branch in Sylvania Township, Ohio, on May 12. Five days later, an illegal immigrant from Bulgaria was caught using fake bankcards to withdraw money from a Fifth Third ATM.

Another skimming incident occurred this year near Cleveland, and skimming devices were found on two ATMs in Euclid, Ohio, in March and April. Such a run of skimming fraud is unusual in Ohio, the Blade reported.

"It does happen a lot in certain parts of the country, but it happens around here very rarely," Sgt. Joe Heffernan, a spokesman for the Toledo Police Department told the Blade.

The Blade report cited a study by the Aite Group warning that the financial industry can expect greater losses as global crime rings refine their skimming techniques.

For more on this topic, visit the security research center.