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.
***MEDIA RELEASE***
July 23rd, 2024.
Around 10:59 am, the Police Control Room received a call of gunshots at a location along the Millennium Highway, Providenciales.
Officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force were dispatched and, based on preliminary investigations, were told that the occupant (s) of a red Suzuki Swift was at a business place when another car pulled alongside it, and the occupants started shooting.
The driver of the Swift drove off while the other unidentified vehicle sped off in a separate direction. 
Officers found the Swift abandoned near Miracle Close, Blue Hills, shortly after.
Based on investigations, no injuries were reported.
This remains an active investigation.
The RT&CIPF is asking anyone with information or CCTV footage of the shooting that may assist the police with enquiries to contact 911, the closest police station, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 and anonymously give any information.
Additionally, persons are being asked to download the Crime Stoppers P3 app.
Media Release
July 15th, 2024.
SHAIWANZO MISSICK of South Back Salina, Grand Turk, has been charged with six counts of firearm-related offences.
Missick, 30, was charged on July 13 after police officers consulted with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The offences against Missick are:
- One Count – Discharging Firearm
- One Count- Discharging Ammunition
- One Count-Possession of Firearm with intent to commit a serious offence
- Two Counts-Possession of Ammunition
- One Count –Possession of Firearm
- One Count-Possession of Controlled Drugs
- One Count- Possession of Controlled Drugs with intent to supply.
The charges against Missick came following a report made on Saturday, 29 June 2024, following a shooting incident in Breezy Brae.
Officers obtained a warrant and searched the accused’s residence based on the information received.
The RT&CIPF is asking the public to notify the closest police station, contact 911, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477, and anonymously give any information on illegal activity.
Additionally, persons are encouraged to download the Crime Stoppers P3 app from the Google Play Store or Apple Apps and share information anonymously.
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