Police need help identifying these two men

Posted at: 08/07/2012 1:34 PM | Updated at: 08/07/2012 5:56 PM
By: Amanda Ciavarri | WHEC.com

It's called skimming, and police say it typically involves the use of hidden cameras to swipe customer's information. Yesterday on Twitter, Rochester Police released pictures captured by security cameras of several men, asking the public if anyone recognized or had information about them.

The Rochester Police Department says that there are no recent reports of skimming in Rochester, but that they are investigating concerns. A number of different agencies are involved in the investigation, including the Secret Service.

News of the shared photos and the investigation already have people acting more careful at the bank.

Gino Fanelli has never been a victim of ATM skimming, but he did have his wallet stolen recently. He worries about the increasing amount of identity theft, and notes that thieves are going out of their way to get people’s information and take money out of people’s accounts. He says everyone has to take steps to protect their banking.

Fanelli said, “I no longer carry my wallet in my pocket. I urge everyone if you don't have to have your debit card on you. Don't bring it with you.” 

Police aren’t saying the skimming is happening in Rochester, just that they want to talk to the two men caught on security camera about the concerns they have.

A picture on the FBI’s website shows how criminals do the skimming. There is a hidden camera which is used to record the customer’s pin number, as well as a key pad overlay which does the same. The “skimmer” device is a plastic piece that slips over the card reader and captures the banker’s card number.

Chris Hilfiker, a concerned banker, said, “ATM skimming is a serious problem that has been going on around here. So I always use the ones that are actually in orders. They are monitored a little closer.” 

The bank on Park Avenue requires customers to use their bank card to get in the door and bankers say this makes them feel safer that the ATM is being monitored closely.

Fanelli said, “This is the only one I use. So I am very very careful about where I take my money out and put my money in. Be careful, in general, with what you do with your information. People want it.  You think people don't want it but the definitely do what it.”

News10NBC is expecting the Rochester Police Department to release more information on ATM skimming in the area soon. For tips on how to keep you and your money safe, click here.

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