Police warn of uptick in ATM scams throughout Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Anyone who uses an ATM in Philadelphia is urged to be on alert.

Philadelphia Police Department's Major Crimes Unit detailed a recent uptick in skimmers and cash trap doors installed on ATMs in the city.

Since March 15, investigators have found nine of these trap doors at various locations.

They work by blocking money from being dispensed, making a customer think the machine is either malfunctioning or out of cash.

Police have connected at least one masked suspect to these crimes, which typically happen on Saturdays and Sundays when branches are closed.