Top Stories

Several police agencies investigating rash of credit card skimming

Phil Laboon got a call from his bank he wasn't expecting Tuesday.

“I got a call from my bank, they said my card was used at an ATM,” he said. “My physical card. I went in my wallet and I had it on me.

“They said I must've gotten hit by a skimmer.”

TRENDING NOW:

He said he only used it in a couple of places in South Side, where he works. He says someone was trying to use it in Mt. Lebanon on Tuesday.

Luckily, they weren't able to get any money out -- the ATM kept card when the wrong PIN was entered several times.

But Laboon's not the only victim in our area.

Channel 11 has confirmed that there was a skimming device found on the

Citizens Bank  ATM inside the Brentwood Get Go last week. Police don't how long it was there.

“Who knows how many other people?” Laboon said. “They're probably just going down the line doing it, too.”

We've also confirmed First Commonwealth Bank has had people using cards and numbers that don't belong to them at the branch in Castle Shannon, but the bank doesn't have a skimming device at that location.

Castle Shannon police confirm suspects appear to have skimmed numbers or created cloned cards for multiple victims in the region.

The chief says the case involves multiple municipalities.

Laboon says his bank told him there is a way to make sure you don't fall victim.

“Never use a gas station ATM,” he said. “Only use bank ATMs, if possible.”

Some things to look for to avoid skimmers: scratching around the card slot, adhesive tape that's been ripped, or see if the device can be removed.

If you’re concerned, alert bank staff or call 911 immediately.