Skimming Device Found At Queens McDonald's ATM
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- A skimming device was found on an ATM inside a McDonald's in Queens.
The skimmer and pin hole camera device were discovered at the McDonald's on Maurice Avenue in Maspeth around 7 p.m. Thursday by a customer who knew how to check for it.
"I was shocked when I pulled it out," Maspeth resident Roy Renna told CBS2's Magdalena Doris. "I thought I broke it, and I saw the microchip inside, and it just clicked."
Late Friday night, police released photos of the suspects.
The EMT and professional photographer examined the machine closely and discovered the high-tech and barely detectable way scammers target their victims.
"There was like a microchip inside, and on the other piece, there was a camera, and there was an SD card attached to it," Renna said. "It was just really sophisticated."
Customers on Friday were none the wiser. One man withdrew from the machine safely, but if it were one day earlier, he may have been a victim.
Others say they stick with the bank to avoid the danger of skimming and excessive fees, but McDonald's provides convenience that may have made this location a prime target.
"McDonald's is cool for one reason -- they only charge like a dollar, I think, so that's a good location for someone that wants to skim," said customer Allen Anidjar.
Both suspects were described as white men, approximately 20 to 30 years old.
One was last seen wearing a black baseball cap, black short sleeve shirt, blue jeans and black sneakers. The other had on a light colored baseball cap, gray jacket, black short sleeve shirt, dark colored shorts and Nike sneakers.
The glue residue can still be seen over the keypad. The skimming device is now in the custody of police in the 104th precinct, who are asking anyone who may have been a victim to come forward.
It's still unclear how long the skimmer was left on the machine.
