I got the following email today and I wanted to send it you today for two reasons. One – it’s a great tip for any ATM users. Two – it reminded of what a powerful tool email is. This message was forwarded 3 times before it reached me.

Sending email message of value is a good way to spread the word and to get your name out in front of a lot of folks.

From Tim Lynch, St. Paul Police
Informational relay (FBI and Local Police Alert)
tim.lynch@ci.stpaul.mn.us

Thieves are putting a thin clear, rigid plastic “sleeve” into the ATM card slot. When you insert your card, the machine cannot read the strip, so it keeps asking you to re-enter your pin number. Meanwhile, someone behind you watches as you enter and re-enter your number.

Eventually you give up, thinking the machine has captured your card and walk away. The thieves then remove the plastic sleeve complete with card, and empty your account. The way to avoid this is to run your finger along the card slot before you put your card in. The sleeve has a couple of tiny prongs that the thieves need to get it out of the slot, and you will be able to feel them.

Law enforcement would like as many people as possible to be aware of this scam, so please pass this information on to your friends and family and associates.