Suspect caught on camera installing ATM skimmer, police say

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Philadelphia Police are trying to identify a man suspected of installing skimming devices on several ATMs in Philadelphia and Montgomery County.

A surveillance camera captured the man at one of the machines last month.

Police say he installed a skimming device on the ATM at the 7-Eleven on the 800 block of Walnut Street on July 10th and again on July 17th.

Investigators say the same man put a skimmer on an ATM on the 200 block of Market Street.

He likely left it there for a day or two before retrieving the skimmer and the valuable information captured from people's debit and credit cards.

The man is also suspected of targeting several machines in Montgomery County, but police have not released those locations.

Capt. Roland Lee of Major Crimes explains, "You'd be surprised the number of people who use ATM machines now. You know, within a two day period 600 to 1,000 people use one ATM machine."

Capt. Lee says criminals are increasingly using skimming devices to steal money and charge goods.

"Anytime you use an ATM machine, myself, I give it a little jiggle. I know it's being a little paranoid, but I give it a little jiggle to make sure it's legit," Capt. Lee said.

Also you have to protect your pin number. So the captain suggests you cover up with your other hand when putting in your pin.

Police don't have a number on the total tally of victims, but urge you to always check your statement.

There is a $3,000 reward for information that leads to the suspect's identity and arrest.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Philadelphia Police Department Major Crimes Unit at 215-686-3396/3397, or call 911.