Skimming suspect sought in VaBeach

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) - Beach police say residents need to be on the lookout for a man who stole more than $20 thousand from several people. He did it using a skimming device at an ATM located at the Landstown Commons Retail Center on Princess Anne Road, according to police.

On the back of every credit or debit card there's a magnetic stripe with a security code on it.
Criminals use devices called "skimmers" to copy or steal that information, hence the name "skimming."

Skimming can happen anywhere you use your card, at an ATM, restaurant or even gas pumps. And even the most cautious people can fall victim.

Ever since becoming a skimming victim himself, Matthew Clyburn is looking a little more closely at ATM machines.

Clyburn says he regularly uses the Landstown Commons ATM and always thought it was safe until he went to withdraw money from his account and was denied. He told WAVY.com, "...I was denied and I always check my account and it said someone had made a $500 withdrawal and then a forty."

Police have released a photo of the man responsible they say is responsible for the crimes that took place between April 15 and April 17. A total of 37 cards were skimmed and more than $21 thousand was stolen.

Ed Sutton knows what it's like to be a skimming victim. He's had his bank information skimmed not once, but twice! He was shocked when his bank contacted him.

"They said, 'Were you in Florida a couple of days ago?' And I said, 'I haven't been to Florida in years!'....And they said, 'It looks like someone has skimmed your card number.'"

Both Sutton and Clyburn say they're careful with their bank cards to begin with, but they're even more cautious now.

One of the most important things you can do to protect yourself from fraud is to keep a close eye on your bank account. If there are charges you're certain you didn't make, contact your bank right away.

Take a good look at the attached photo, police say this is the man responsible and they're asking for your help locating and identifying him. If you can help police find the suspect, call Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP.

In the meantime, here are a few tips that may help you avoid becoming a victim: When using an ATM, before you put your card in the slot, put your hand on the slot and wiggle it. ATMs without skimmers will not wiggle at all. If there is a skimmer, the slot will seem loose. Also, always put your free hand over the hand that's punching the numbers, to prevent others from seeing your account number.