Data-Skimming Devices Found Attached to ATM Machines in Lompoc, Santa Maria
CoastHills Credit Union customer reports suspicious tool, prompting inspections that turn up compromised entry slots
Electronic data-skimming devices, like those found Saturday at CoastHills Credit Union locations in Lompoc and Santa Maria, typically record personal information from the card’s magnetic strip when it’s entered into the slot. (Santa Maria Police Department photo)
Data-skimming devices used to try to access bank accounts were found at CoastHills Credit Union branches in Santa Maria and Lompoc on Saturday, leading authorities to remind ATM customers to be cautious.
Santa Maria police Sgt. Jesus Valle said a customer notified staff at the CoastHills branch at 1203 S. Broadway about suspicious irregularities of a card reader at a drive-up ATM. The customer reported that the device had an unusual appearance and was not functioning properly.