FBI Investigating ATM Skimming

In response to a credit card skimming device found on CoastHills Credit Union ATMs in Santa Maria and Lompoc last Saturday, CoastHills has partnered with local law enforcement and the FBI to investigate the incident.

The data skimming devices, which fit over the ATM card reader, look exactly like the real reader, according to a CoastHills press release. Currently, CoastHills is in the process of suspending all member ATM cards used on September 11 and 12 at the affected machines, located at the Lompoc branch at H Street and College Avenue and the Santa Maria branch on Stowell and Broadway streets. Affected members can still access their accounts using “Instant Issue” cards and new PINs, obtainable at any CoastHills Branch location. CoastHills and the ATM manufacturer discovered no more data skimming devices upon inspection of the entire CoastHills ATM network.

In a prepared statement, CoastHills Chief Information Officer Paul Cook said, “We are partnering with law enforcement to fully resolve the issue, including the FBI, who told us that this type of sophisticated skimming device is new territory to them.” CoastHills shared surveillance videos from both locations, which included an image of the suspects.