Arrests made in ATM frauds

Officers in the York Regional Police Central Fraud Bureau have arrested six men and are looking for a seventh in connection with an ongoing investigation into several automated teller machine (ATM) frauds throughout the Greater Toronto area.

The investigation began in October, after the accused were observed on video surveillance setting up and operating "skimming devices," designed to steal banking information from ATM users. The culprits apparently used "pinhole" cameras mounted in fake light bars attached to the top of an ATM. The camera would record the personal identification number (PIN) of any user that did not make attempts to hide it as it was entered. A secondary device was also attached to the bankcard slot that would record and store the information from the card required to access a user's banking account. The devices were later removed and used to make fraudulent debit cards.

Losses at this time are estimated at approximately $250,000.

Two of the men charged are from Richmond Hill and the other four are from Toronto. They have each been charged with two counts of fraud over $5,000, participating in a criminal organization and conspiracy to commit an indictable offence.

An arrest warrant has been issued for the seventh suspect.

York Regional Police remind the public that prevention is the best protection against fraud or identity theft.

Be aware of your surroundings when entering your PIN and do not disclose your PIN to anyone. Immediately report lost or stolen credit/debit cards and any discrepancies in your monthly statements to the issuing card company. Never loan your credit cards to anyone and sign all credit cards when you receive them. Cancel credit cards you do not use and keep a list of the ones you use regularly. Promptly remove mail from your mailbox after delivery and do not leave pieces of mail lying around your home or work site. Destroy all paperwork you no longer need and monitor your statements regularly. If you discover anything at a banking machine that looks suspicious, notify your bank immediately or contact the police for assistance.