Be alert after skimming devices found on ATMs

SACRAMENTO — Two Venezuelan men were arrested on suspicion of placing skimming devices on several bank ATMs in the region that led to approximately $200,000 of withdrawn funds from victims, the Sacramento Sheriff's Department reports.

The department's Hi-Tech Task Force on Saturday arrested Luis Jose Ruiz-Gainza, 43, and Ricardo Gabriele-Plage, 36, according to a department news release. The men were apprehended at Sunrise Mall in Citrus Heights.

In April, sheriff ’s detectives were notified of several people who were victims of identity theft, and also had money withdrawn from their bank accounts, according to the sheriff's department. The investigation led to the discovery of skimming devices at several bank ATMs in the region.

A high-definition camera was also placed above the ATMs’ key pads underneath a cover to record customers entering their PIN numbers, the department said. The cover is usually painted a similar color as the ATM. The stolen account numbers and PIN codes were then used to unlawfully withdraw funds from the victims’ accounts.

Detectives believe the suspects are part of a larger organized crime group comprised of mainly Venezuelan nationals, who are traveling to the United States to place these devices on ATMs, the release said. The suspects entered the U.S. legally with passports via Mexico, according to the department.