Skimming Suspect Caught On Camera: Police

FREMONT, CA — The man pictured above may be part of a transnational criminal organization that is targeting people in the Bay Area. It began with skimming credit and debit cards at a gas station, and then using fake cards with those real numbers at ATM machines to empty bank accounts and take cash advances in three counties — Alameda, Contra Costa and Santa Clara. Police call them "cash-out crimes." Fremont Police have released four photos of a suspect and his car, hoping that someone recognizes him.

Police around the area began getting reports in May and June about the fraudulent charges on accounts. Detectives looked at a history of transactions and they all led back to a single source - a gas station in Brentwood. Fremont Police report in a statement, "Victims all reported using the gas station shortly before the fraudulent withdrawals began. It’s believed a skimming device was installed at the gas station and has since been removed by the suspects.

"These types of skimming devices are able to record debit and credit card information unbeknownst to customers who use the pumps. The thieves then make a duplicate of the victims’ credit or debit cards, which are then used to withdraw money from ATMs or make online purchases. Tracking card fraud like this is difficult. Estimates are that credit/debit card fraud losses are over $24 billion worldwide and almost half are believed to be in the United States."

It can be tough to spot a skimmer as there is often no visible sign that one has been installed. With gas pumps, they can be put inside the pump by criminals who pretend to be workers servicing the pumps. At ATMs, the skimmers mimic the machines. Here's a skimmer that was recently found on a bank ATM in Alameda. Would you have noticed it?

Fremont Police say the suspect in the photos hit multiple ATM locations in Fremont. Police point out that he has three prominent moles on his right cheek. The car is a late 90’s model Mercedes C280 4 door sedan with a possible oxidized paint patch on the hood and paper plates.

There is a known transnational criminal organization committing ATM fraud, and police say this suspect may be from the greater Los Angeles County area.

If you recognize this man, have been a victim of fraud, or have any information about this criminal ring, call Fremont Police at 510-790-6900 or send an anonymous tip by texting TIP FREMONTPD followed by your message to 888-777.

In the meantime, Alameda Police offer the following tips to avoid becoming a victim:

TAKE YOUR BUSINESS INSIDE: Whenever possible, conduct your business inside of a bank or gas station.

LOOK BEFORE YOU INSERT: Take a good look at an ATM or point-of-sales devices and ask yourself, "Does anything look different?" Look for signs of tampering; broken seals, tape, glue marks, machine scratches, etc.

TRUST YOUR TOUCH: Give ATM card readers and equipment around cash or receipt dispensers a wiggle to see if anything is loose or seems out of place. Authentic card readers and equipment should be firm and stay intact with the machine. Criminals have even placed fake keyboards on top of real ones, so feel free to inspect. If you are finding it difficult to insert your card, be wary.

BE SECRETIVE: Give yourself a little extra protection by using your free hand to block/conceal your PIN number as you type it in.

CHECK YOUR ACCOUNTS: Check your bank and credit card statements and watch for fraud activity.

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— All Photos released by Fremont Police