Cary police looking for suspected credit card cloner

Cary police say they have received at least eight reports this month of people's credit and debit cards being used to make cash withdrawals - even though their cards were never stolen.

Posted 3:07 p.m. Mar 16, 2015 — Updated 3:50 p.m. Mar 16, 2015

CARY, N.C. — Cary police say they have received at least eight reports this month from people who said their credit and debit cards were used to make cash withdrawals even though the cards were not stolen – and detectives are working with local law enforcement agencies on several similar cases.

Investigators believe someone cloned the cards, a process that involves getting access to a card number – often when it is swiped at ATMs or gas pumps where inconspicuous skimming devices have been installed – and programming it onto a new card.

Authorities, however, have not said how they believe the financial information was obtained. The unauthorized withdrawals happened between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. on March 1 and March 2 at various CashPoints ATMS, as well as some Bank of America and Wells Fargo ATMs, investigators said.

Police have released an ATM security photo of a man suspected of the crimes. He has a thick mustache and is wearing large glasses and a dark overcoat. He was recorded leaving the ATM in a new, silver, four-door sedan.

He has been described as between 25 to 40 years, between 5 feet 7 and 5 feet 11 inches tall and of an average to heavy build.

Anyone with information that could help investigators is asked to contact the Cary Police Department at 919-469-4012 or Crime Stoppers at 919-460-4636.

"Our plea is two-fold: Please, monitor your bank accounts for any unusual or fraudulent activities," Cary Police Capt. Randall Rhyne said. "Secondly, when using an ATM, take note of your surroundings and quickly report any suspicious persons or activities around the machine."

The FBI recommends these tips:

Inspect the ATM, gas pump or credit card reader before using it. Be suspicious if you see anything loose, crooked or damaged or if you notice scratches or adhesive/tape residue.
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 at an inside location. Criminals have less access to them.
If your card is not returned after the transaction or after hitting "cancel," immediately contact the financial institution that issued the card.

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