Crime
Tech and Cybersecurity: The Crime of Skimming
By Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
January 20, 2023 – ATMs are a place of increased vigilance for most people, outside they pay attention to their surroundings and any suspicious individuals as they go in and leave quickly and safely but many never look for threats inside. An especially dangerous threat that can come from ATMs themselves is called Skimming.
According to the US Federal Bureau of Investigation Skimming occurs when devices illegally installed on ATMs, point-of-sale (POS) terminals, or fuel pumps capture data or record cardholders’ PINs.
This data can then be used to create an illegal duplicate of your card that actually works and can be used to drain
your accounts.
More common in The Caribbean than Fuel pump skimmers are ATM and Point of Sale (POS) Skimmers.
ATM skimmers are usually glued on over the original card reader to stall card information. Pinhole camera and keyboard overlays are also used to catch people inputting their PIN numbers. These devices usually mirror what the ATM is supposed to look like very well and may not be visible at first glance
As for POS skimming there have been instances where POS machines have been replaced with fake ones.
There are several precautions you can take in order to avoid any skimming plots.
- Avoid non-bank ATMs if you can, as bank owned ATMs tend to be harder for criminals to gain access to. Your best bet is an ATM that is both bank owned and physically attached to a bank branch.
- Use machines that are in public view making them less likely to be tampered with.
- Pay attention to the machine. If something looks crooked, words on the screen are mis-aligned, a part of the machine looks newer or different in color, skip that one and go elsewhere.
- Pull at the edges of the keypad before entering your PIN. You should also cover the keypad when you enter your PIN.
- Try to use your credit card in areas that you might not trust or when you go on trips.
Always be vigilant in and outside of ATMs to keep your hard earned cash as safe as possible.
Crime
Acting Police Commissioner, Rodney Adams issues statement on Jouvly Inelus and gruesome photo of his dead body
Turks and Caicos – For the past three months, Jouvly Inelus has been wanted by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RT&CIPF) in connection with firearm-related offences, including homicides and robberies. Earlier this morning, officers from the Serious Crime Unit received forensic confirmation that the body found yesterday (September 30) is that of 32-year-old Mr Inelus, a resident of Blue Hills. This remains an active investigation, and the RT&CIPF extends condolences to Mr Inelus’ relatives and all families that lost their loved ones to violent crime.
Acting Commissioner of Police Rodney Adams issues the following statement: “At around 11:12 p.m., officers received information and proceeded to a bushy area in Miracle Close, Blue Hills. Upon arrival, the officers discovered the motionless body of a male dressed in a black jersey and black basketball pants with what appeared to be gunshot and other injuries.
“Mr. Inelus had been evading the police for the past three months. Despite the challenges, the RT&CIPF remained relentless in their pursuit of leads and conducted joint operations across the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) with the assistance of local and regional partners.
“We wish to thank Crime Stoppers and also express gratitude to the members of the public who acted in the best interest of the TCI. The police force remains committed to pursuing anyone who seeks to cause instability in the islands while ensuring the safety and security of all communities.”
In a direct message to the youth, Acting Commissioner Adams said, “I am pleading with the young men—put down your guns and preserve your life and the lives of others. Crime does not pay and only leads downhill. Many opportunities are available, and the RT&CIPF is launching a mentorship program to support and guide the youth. I encourage everyone to take advantage of this initiative.”
The RT&CIPF is also aware of a photograph on social media of the victim’s body. The circulation of such imagery is appalling and demonstrates a complete lack of respect. We urge the public to refrain from viewing and sharing material of this nature.
The RT&CIPF calls on anyone with information regarding illegal activities to contact the nearest police station, 911, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 to provide information anonymously.
Additionally, individuals are encouraged to download the Crime Stoppers P3 app to share information.
Turks and Caicos, October 8, 2024 – On Wednesday, October 2nd, 2024, Eagle Legal News learned that the man shot on September 27 in an apparent ambush in Snake Hill has now died, bringing the country’s murder rate to a record setting high.
The man, who had been medically evacuated to Jamaica for further hospital care was shot along with the late, former TCI Police officer, PAULCIUS LOUITES VEREUS.
Vereus was recorded as the 34th murder in 2024 for the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Here is the police report from the incident:
Blue Hills resident FRANCIUS PIERRE, has succumbed to gunshot injuries.
Pierre, 41, was shot on September 27 while at a location at Stammers Run, Snake Hill. The Police Control Room had received calls indicating gunshots were heard at around 8:35 pm.
Police and medical personnel arrived and found two males, Mr. Pierre and Paulcius Louites Vereus.
Mr Vereus was unresponsive.
Head of Crime, Safeguarding, Public Protection and Intelligence Superintendent Dean Holden said, “The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force extends condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Pierre, who succumbed to injuries this morning while undergoing medical treatment in Jamaica.
The Serious Crime Unit officers are continuing investigations and will leave no stone unturned as we actively pursue leads obtained.”
The RT&CIPF is asking anyone with information that may help in this investigation to contact the closest police station, 911, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800 8477 to provide any information anonymously. Additionally, individuals are encouraged to download the Crime Stoppers P3 app to share information.
-
News5 days agoMINISTER OF TOURISM LEADS TURKS AND CAICOS DELEGATION TO PRODUCTIVE SOTIC 2024
-
Caribbean News5 days agoTOURISM MURAL UNVEILED IN DOWNTOWN KINGSTON
-
Health1 week agoMinistry of Health and Human Services marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2024 – under the theme: No-one Should Face Breast Cancer Alone
-
News4 days agoTCI DELEGATION ATTENDS LAUNCH OF THE CARIBBEAN ASSOCIATION OF PROBATION AND PAROLE (CAPP) IN BARBADOS
-
Caribbean News5 days agoLong-Term Approach Must Be Taken to Fix Coffee Farm Roads – Minister
-
Bahamas News2 days agoTHE BAHAMAS MINISTRY OF TOURISM, INVESTMENTS & AVIATION EMBRACES ‘TOURISM AND PEACE’ FOR WORLD TOURISM DAY 2024
-
Caribbean News3 days agoMassive Hurricane Debris field to be tackled with CARICOM Funding to SVG
-
Bahamas News3 days agoPartnerships formed to deal with complaints of emissions from industrial plants in GB