ATM skimmers found on 2 machines inside a Wawa store in Atlantic County, New Jersey

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Friday, March 1, 2024
ATM skimmers found on 2 machines inside NJ Wawa, police warn
ATM skimmers found on 2 machines inside a Wawa store in Atlantic County, New Jersey

ATLANTIC COUNTY, N.J. (WPVI) -- Authorities in Atlantic County, New Jersey, are warning about ATM skimmers.

Galloway Township police say an ATM mechanic found devices on two machines on Wednesday inside the Wawa on the White Horse Pike at Pomona Road.

Surveillance photos show two men entering the store around 7:40 a.m. Tuesday. Police believe these men planted skimming devices on both ATMs. The devices were discovered the next day.

Police are asking anyone who used these ATMs recently to monitor their accounts and contact their bank.

IMAGE: Galloway Twp. Police are searching for these two suspects in connection with the ATM skimmer case.

"Banks nowadays are pretty good about keeping an eye out for any fraudulent activity and monitor your statements at all times," said Galloway Twp. Police Lt. Mark D'Esposito.

An ATM skimmer attachment is designed to look like part of an ATM but illegally collects card numbers and PIN codes.

Police say to look for any loose-fitting or bulky parts on the ATM you're using, or tape or glue residue on the machine.

Reports of skimmers are on the rise in New Jersey and across the country, according to FICO reports.

In 2022, more than 161,000 cards nationwide were impacted by skimming, which is nearly five times the number impacted the year before.

Drexel University criminology professor Rob D'Ovidio says these devices are getting more advanced.

"Now they're using cellular technology. So it's not uncommon to see skimmers with SIM cards and cellular transmission capabilities," he said.

In this case, police say it doesn't appear that any data was transmitted from these devices, but officers are still investigating.

Anyone who has recently used the Pomona Wawa ATMs should check their bank accounts.