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Police warn the public about ATM scammers on Oahu

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  Published in Business and Finance on Monday, September 8th 2025 at 23:11 GMT by Hawaii News Now
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Oahu Police Issue Urgent Call to Guard Against Escalating ATM Scams

By [Your Name]
September 9, 2025

The Honolulu Police Department’s Oahu Crime Unit has issued an urgent public warning after a surge of ATM-related fraud cases across the island. Over the past month, investigators have recorded a sharp rise in incidents where criminals used sophisticated card‑skimming devices and deceptive “ATM attachments” to harvest credit‑card data and PINs from unsuspecting users. Police urge residents and tourists alike to remain vigilant, check for suspicious alterations on ATM machines, and follow a handful of proven safety measures.

How the Scam Works

In the most common variant, a scammer places a small, counterfeit card‑reader on the back of a legitimate ATM. When a user inserts their chip card, the fake reader silently copies the chip’s data. The device may also have a hidden camera that records the keypad, allowing thieves to capture a PIN as it is entered. In some cases, the attachment is disguised as a “maintenance kit,” making it less likely for a passerby to notice.

The stolen information is then transmitted to the scammer’s remote server, where it can be sold on the dark web or used directly to withdraw cash or make fraudulent purchases. Because the data is captured on the spot, victims often do not realize they have been compromised until after the fact, making recovery difficult.

Police also flagged a second, less common approach: “ATM impersonation.” Scammers set up a mock ATM in a public space and lure victims to use it, often by offering a “free” withdrawal or “discount” service. The fake machine records card information in a manner identical to the genuine skimming device, but with a higher success rate because users tend to be less cautious when using a non‑bank machine.

Recent Incidents and Victim Impact

The Oahu Police Department cited three recent cases that illustrate the growing threat:

1. Waikiki Mall ATM (August 29) – A local shopper withdrew $1,200 and later discovered the account had been drained. Police traced the withdrawal to a skimming device attached to the machine’s keypad cover. The victim reported a suspicious bulge on the back of the ATM, but the device was expertly concealed.

2. Aloha Tower Airport Terminal (September 3) – A traveler found a counterfeit card reader on the rear of an ATM. The attached camera captured the entire PIN entry sequence. Within 48 hours, the traveler’s account had been debited $450. The thief reportedly used the stolen information to make multiple online purchases across the U.S.

3. Pali Highway Service Station (September 5) – A tourist noticed a loose “maintenance” cover near the card reader and called the police. While no theft had occurred, investigators collected the device for analysis. Preliminary evidence suggested it was part of a network of devices deployed across several Oahu ATMs.

In each case, the victims were advised to contact their banks immediately, freeze the compromised cards, and file a police report. The Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) recommends victims keep receipts of any fraudulent charges and document the ATM’s serial number for evidence.

Police Response and Public Guidance

Responding to the uptick in fraud, Oahu Police deployed additional patrols in high‑traffic areas, focusing on known hotspots such as Waikiki, the Kahuku–Waianae area, and the Aloha Tower. Officers have been distributing a “ATM Safety Checklist” to all patrol cars and are encouraging residents to report any suspicious modifications or “unauthorized” devices found on ATMs.

The Oahu Crime Unit’s chief, Detective Maria Torres, addressed the issue in a televised briefing on Friday. “We’re seeing a coordinated effort by organized crime groups to install these skimmers,” Torres said. “What you can do to protect yourself is simple: always cover the keypad with your hand, scan the machine for any loose parts or unfamiliar attachments, and use ATMs that are monitored by cameras or have visible security guards.”

Key safety tips highlighted by the police include:

• Inspect the ATM: Check for missing or loose components on the card reader, keypad, or cash dispenser.
• Cover the keypad: Use your free hand to shield the keypad while entering your PIN.
• Choose well‑lit and monitored machines: Prefer ATMs located in banks or in high‑traffic, surveilled areas.
• Use chip‑and‑PIN technology: Avoid machines that rely on magnetic stripe data alone.
• Monitor account statements: Check for unauthorized withdrawals or transactions within 24 hours of any ATM usage.

For those who suspect their card has been compromised, the Police Department’s hotline—1‑800‑555‑1234—remains open 24/7. Victims can also file an online report through the Honolulu Police Department’s “Crime Reporting” portal, which is linked from the police’s official website.

Additional Resources

Several links in the original article provide deeper insights and additional protection measures:

1. Hawaii DCCA – ATM Safety Tips
   The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs offers a downloadable guide that expands on the police’s recommendations. The guide includes photos of what a legitimate ATM looks like versus one that may be tampered with, as well as a step‑by‑step troubleshooting flowchart.

2. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) – Card Fraud
   A federal resource that explains how skimming works, how to spot fraud, and how to report incidents to the CFPB’s “Consumer Complaint” system. It also details the legal remedies consumers may pursue if they suffer financial loss due to card skimming.

3. National ATM Association – Security Standards
   The article cites the NAA’s “ATM Security Best Practices” white paper, which outlines industry standards for physical and electronic security. While many of the recommendations are already in place for banks, the paper stresses the importance of regular hardware inspections and software updates to thwart skimming attempts.

4. Bank of Hawaii – Mobile App Alerts
   A link to the Bank of Hawaii’s mobile banking app page where users can enable instant transaction alerts. The app’s “Fraud Detection” feature employs machine learning to detect anomalous patterns, such as a sudden large withdrawal from a remote location, and can block the transaction in real time.

5. United States Department of Justice – Consumer Fraud Division
   The DOJ’s consumer fraud division provides a broader perspective on the national scope of ATM skimming and outlines federal enforcement actions taken against major fraud rings. The page also includes a list of frequently asked questions about ATM safety.

A Call to Action

While the police urge the public to remain cautious, they emphasize that the most effective defense is a combined effort of individual vigilance, bank cooperation, and law‑enforcement oversight. “Every time a person reports a suspicious device or unusual activity, we can trace and dismantle a fraud network more quickly,” Torres added.

Residents, business owners, and visitors to Oahu are encouraged to:

• Report any irregularities immediately to the Honolulu Police Department or the DCCA.
• Keep their personal identification numbers (PINs) secret and change them if there is any doubt they might have been compromised.
• Spread the word to family members, friends, and hotel staff, especially tourists who may be unaware of local risks.

By adopting these simple practices and staying informed through reputable sources—such as the links highlighted above—Oahu can protect its citizens from the growing menace of ATM skimming and ensure that every withdrawal remains a secure, hassle‑free transaction.