Secret Service Investigates 'Skimming' Case At North Spokane ATM - Spokane, North Idaho News & Weather KHQ.com

KHQ.COM - The Secret Service is investigating a skimming case at a North Spokane bank.  They say someone put a skimmer onto an ATM outside U.S. Bank on North Division.  The skimmer looks like part of the ATM but it's designed to steal your information when you insert your card into the machine.  Spokane County Sheriff's Lieutenant Steve Barbieri says he doesn't believe anyone's account was jeopardized because they found the skimmer on the ATM, before the thieves could take account information off of it.

The case serves as an important reminder to keep a close eye on your account information.  Lieutenant Barbieri says to examine bank and credit card statements and look for any unknown charges, even if they're small.  He says to conduct a credit check one or two times a year.  This will notify you of any unpaid bills that you didn't know about.  Also, contest any unknown charges.  Lieutenant Barbieri says your bank will usually cover your loss.  Finally, if you do fall victim, he says to shut down your accounts and open new ones so that thieves can't continue to steal from you.

Barbieri says the Secret Service is investigating the case at U.S. Bank because they believe whoever put the skimmer on the ATM, has tried to commit the crime elsewhere.  He says identity theft rings are widespread and far-reaching, sometimes involving up to 100 people.