With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
'Shoulder surfing' theft at ATMs on the rise — here's how to protect your PIN
In this file photo, an ATM on Third Avenue is viewed in New York on May 10, 2013. Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer warned Thursday of a rise in "shoulder surfing," when someone lingers near an ATM, waits for you to enter your PIN and swoops in to withdraw cash before you're fully logged out.
(
TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP/Getty Images
)
Every time you use an ATM to transact business with your bank, you're vulnerable to a certain kind of theft known as "shoulder surfing."
That's when someone lingers near an ATM, waits for you to enter your personal identification number and swoops in to withdraw cash before you're fully logged out of the system.
Law enforcement officials and banks say this type of theft is on the rise across the country, according to Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer. On Thursday, he announced charges against two such "shoulder surfers" in the San Fernando Valley.
Sponsored message
According to Feuer's office, two separate victims reported unauthorized withdrawals of $200 and $500 shortly after using an ATM at the Tarzana branch of Bank of America on Jan. 8.
Lynell Anthony Peterson, 20, approached the ATM after each victim had used it, while Seth Arnold, 24, stood lookout, according to a statement from Feuer's office.
Los Angeles police officers arrested them the same day based on a description from the bank manager. Their activity was also captured in a security video.
Peterson was charged with two counts of identity theft, two counts of petty theft and one count of driving on a suspended license. Peterson faces up to three years and six months in jail and $5,000 in fines if convicted, and his bail was set at $50,000.
Arnold was also charged with one criminal count for acting as a lookout.
The District Attorney's Office shared a number of tips to help consumers avoid having their PINs stolen by "shoulder surfers."
Chief among them is to always wait until you're fully logged out before leaving the ATM. But consumers should also be aware of small cameras set up to record you entering your PIN and "skimmers," devices attached to the ATM that scan your information when you insert your card.
Sponsored message
Here's the full list of tips:
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
