Police think thief used skimming device on Daytona Beach ATM

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Daytona Beach police were called to a Publix Sunday morning because of suspicious activity at an ATM, and now investigators are warning customers about a possible security breach.

According to investigators, a man took an item from his shirt and attached it to the ATM located at the Publix along North Atlantic Avenue.

A few hours later, police said, the man came back to the ATM wearing different clothing, took the item from the machine and left.

Police think the man installed and removed a skimming device that can steal debit and credit card information.

Detectives said there is a group hitting Publix supermarkets along the coast from Orlando to South Florida. Police said the latest incident appears to be the seventh skimming report in a matter of days.

For shoppers, hitting the ATM at Publix is quick and convenient.

"Go up there, get my money and go home," said shopper Curtis Rucker. "You're not thinking, 'Wow, I wonder if this thing's been tampered with?' No, I was not thinking, 'Is this tampered with?'"

"They're only leaving it on for two to three hours, but who knows how many people used the ATM in two or three hours," said Jimmy Flynt of the Daytona Beach Police Department.

So far, no customers have come forward to report losing money.

Some residents want to know why the thieves targeting Publix, and police believe it has to do with ATM surveillance cameras. Most ATM machines have cameras inside, but the Publix ATMs do not, only a camera above.

At the Daytona Beach Publix, a surveillance camera only shows the back of the ATM user's head, making it difficult to identify a thief.

Publix is working with investigators throughout Florida. So far, no suspects have been identified.

The best way to protect yourself is to be very careful about where you use your ATM card.

One police officer told WFTV that he uses the same ATM every time so that he will know if something looks out of the ordinary.

Investigators are urging residents who used the ATM on Sunday to check their bank accounts for any suspicious activity.

WFTV