University police use social media to combat high-tech crime

Identity thieves are replacing ATM card readers with skimmers to steal and wirelessly transmit personal account information.

Corey Benson

The Signal Staff

University Police started an online campaign to inform students, faculty and staff of potential security threats earlier this month.

The public information campaign includes e-mail blasts, Facebook status updates and posts on the UPD Web site. UPD posts crime and emergency response reports to its Facebook fan page daily.

“The Police Department sends releases regarding issues that might affect those on campus both at and away from the University,” said Police Chief Paul Willingham.
Sgt. Allen Hill is charged with the task of sending e-mail notices of possible threats to the university community.

“Increased awareness for students about issues and activities on campus and the surrounding community give students empowerment and a sense of safety as constituents of this campus,” said Linda Contreras Bullock, assistant dean of student diversity.

In an e-mail sent to students, faculty and staff, UPD urged caution when accessing funds electronically.

“Thieves are now using elaborate skimming devices on ATM machines to gain your account information; be aware of the ATM machines you are using and signs of possible tampering,” Hill said.

Hill warned that identity thieves are placing “out of service” signs on drive through machines to direct bank customers to a card reader with a skimmer attached to it.

“Banks do not use any kind of external sign, if there is a problem with the ATM it will be shown in the display monitor,” Hill said. “Next identity thieves replace the card reader where you insert your card; it is replaced with their own “skimmer” that records your card number. Pay attention to the card reader for any signs of tampering, cracks, or if it appears to be loose or installed improperly.”

Private information is captured and sent wirelessly from the skimmers to those who installed the devices, giving them access to use the information to obtain the money from the account.

“Last they install a keyboard that looks very similar to the original keyboard; this is installed to capture your pin number,” Hill said. There are a few subtle differences in the keyboards that you will not catch if you are not observant.

“Texans who believe their identity has been stolen can minimize their losses by contacting any of the three nationwide consumer reporting companies and requesting a 90-day ‘fraud alert,’ said Lauri Saathoff, press secretary for the Texas Attorney General’s Office. “A fraud alert requires that creditors follow special procedures before creating new accounts or making changes to existing accounts.”

Fraud alerts also entitle credit card holders to free copies of their credit reports. Potential identity theft victims should look for credit inquiries from companies they have not contacted, accounts they did not open, and debts on their accounts that they cannot explain.

The Attorney General’s Office recommended minimizing the amount of personal financial information you carry.

“Memorize passwords and PIN numbers,” Saathoff said. “Do not carry them. Shield your hand when entering your PIN at a bank ATM or when making long distance calls with a calling card. Take your ATM slip and shred it before throwing it away.”

Identity theft victims should file complaints with the Office of the Attorney General online at www.texasattorneygeneral.gov and the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc.gov.

For more information regarding security updates or to join the Facebook Fan Page, visit www.uhcl.edu/police or call 281-283-2222.