JACKSON HEIGHTS —A man withdrew more than $2,300 from a victim's account after stealing his debit card information using a skimming device, police said.
The suspect entered a Chase Bank at 69-55 Grand Ave. in Maspeth the evening of Dec. 7 and withdrew $2,306 in cash from a 69-year-old victim's account, according to the NYPD.
Police said the suspect obtained the account holder's information through a skimming device placed somewhere within the 115th Precinct — an issue that has been a focus in the precinct as they work to combat the devices.
Debit card numbers and pins are obtained using tiny cameras attached to the devices, and schemers use the information to create new debit cards to take out cash, police said.
At the most recent precinct community council meeting, a detective with the precinct cautioned residents about staying aware of the devices, and recommended using cash at places like gas stations and convenience stores where many had been placed.
At a meeting last year, a detective suggested users "yank" on ATM machines to check for the devices.
The suspect is described as in his late 20s and approximately 180 lbs, according to the NYPD.
Anyone with information can Crime stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477).
