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ATM Scanner Likely Used In Clearwater Wachovia Bank Thefts

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TBO.com

Published: September 11, 2008

CLEARWATER - More than 20 customers of a Wachovia bank branch have complained that money has disappeared from their accounts – the result, police say, of a thief having attached a scanning device at the ATM there.

An investigation found evidence of an adhesive at the ATM at the Wachovia branch at 2699 Gulf-to-Bay Blvd., said Elizabeth Daly-Watts, Clearwater's public safety spokeswoman. In all likelihood, a scanning device was attached to the ATM and gathered information about customers' accounts, including personal identification numbers, as the customers used the machines, she said.

The thefts are thought to have occurred during a two-day period ending Wednesday, she said. The bank is reviewing surveillance video, she said.

Typically, scanning devices are placed over the card slot to retrieve account information, Daly-Watts said.

The Clearwater Police Department says people should be vigilant when using bank cards. If an ATM card slot looks odd or different, contact the bank immediately.

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