WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Suspected skimming; dumped-likely-stolen dog items (and more)

| Crime | West Seattle news

Two reader reports in West Seattle Crime Watch this afternoon:

SUSPECTED SKIMMING: From Michael:

I’d like to get the word out that my debit card information was likely skimmed when I used it at the ATM inside QFC on 42nd & Alaska, then was used by the thief at the ATM inside the Safeway in Jefferson Square, a few days later.

The worst part of the scam was a battery of emails, text messages, and phone calls pretending to be from my bank, alerting me to the fraud. These messages were mixed into the real fraud alerts from my bank. The fake ones were hard to distinguish from the real ones. These messages were designed to trick me into giving bank account authentication information to the thief (or thieves), and perhaps for identity theft as well.

My bank assures me that I’ll be able to dispute the fraudulent withdrawal after it is posted to my account. If the thief had succeeded at taking over my account, I might not have been able to dispute it, and they might have been able to empty the account using the payments service.

I reported this to the police, via the website, giving them the time that the fraudulent ATM withdrawal was made, and where. Hopefully that can help identify a suspect.

The card skimmer is likely gone already, but I figure a public service announcement would be useful for the community.

DUMPED-LIKELY-STOLEN: From Greta:

I found a milk crate full of a dog harness, leashes, and some keys, maybe a house key, in our alley behind our house. Also someone dumped a Yakima car topper.

If any of that might be yours, contact us and we’ll connect you.

Neighbor June 23, 2023 (3:34 pm)

I’ve seen a few TikToks about the scam. Apparently they are quite good. As Michael posted above you’ll receive text messages and calls. In the videos I’ve watched the calls are from an 800 number that, when you look it up, is listed as your bank. Sadly, the best thing to do is to physically go into your bank.

clinker June 23, 2023 (7:20 pm)

The security principle to bear in mind is to never provide sensitive information to any incoming caller or texter. The number that is displayed on your cell or caller ID is untrustworthy. It’s not going to be too long until toolkits are available that allow scammers to convincingly imitate voices and this will be doubly important. If this is concerning, speak with your congresscritters about the importance of getting the FCC to force phone system security.

Kadoo June 23, 2023 (3:46 pm)

I assume you mean the free standing ATM not the POS (point of sale) machines at the check stands.

WW Resident June 23, 2023 (4:17 pm)

Never reply to any texts or phone calls. Either go to the bank or call the number on your card. I’ve had scams and by calling the card number found out they were scams and have had real texts/phone calls and found out the same way

waikikigirl June 23, 2023 (5:55 pm)

Here’s a message from our CU – BECU when you log onto your account: Just be smart and don’t fall for these scammers.

Security Alert: We’re seeing an increase in scammers spoofing our phone number and impersonating BECU. When we call, email or text you, we will never ask for a one-time passcode, your account password, code word or your card or account details. If you’re suspicious of a call or message, don’t respond. Call BECU at 800-233-2328 or send a message in Online Banking or the mobile app. Learn more about social engineering scams.

Patrick June 23, 2023 (5:59 pm)

Thanks to Michael for reporting this scam, and for providing such detailed, useful information. Sorry this happened to you. Hope that you get fully compensated and that they catch the thief.

bolo June 23, 2023 (9:28 pm)

This is why I prefer dealing in cash wherever possible.

Cash in June 23, 2023 (10:26 pm)

Michael, this happened to me in March, I only use my debit card at the ATM you used at the QFC on 42nd and the ATM at the Westwood QFC. It has never been used anywhere else. My alerts were all legitimate and came in so quickly that they immediately had footage of the person using the duplicate card that was created. With that said I have not used my new ATM card since and now only get my cash from the teller at the bank. Not sure how long I will keep up that practice but after an in person demo by a teller showing me how difficult it is to spot or even feel the the skimmer device I just wasn’t confident with my ATM routine. It takes more than the slight swipe of a hand to shake loose the device you need to be pretty aggressive.

Azimuth June 23, 2023 (11:12 pm)

I know these skimmers were effective with the older card stripes. Are they defeating the chips now too? What about the “contactless” readers I’m seeing at some ATMs?

Pdavis June 24, 2023 (9:20 am)

If I understand this correctly, this ATM is inside the store/QFC? I have tried to be alert at gas stations in other places to look for a skimming device. Makes me wonder how that could be installed inside the store with so many people around.. scary. I also wanna think the person that wrote in and gave all the details because that really helps a lot and how to protect ourselves. Thank you so much.! But I still wonder how someone was able to install a scammer INSIDE a store and not being noticed. My next question would be to have QFC look through their video cameras, and see if they can determine who did that and report it to the police. .