Stolen debit card numbers apparently lifted from hacked ATMs lead to fraud complaints by nine Sonoma residents last week.
The scam has been going on for almost a month, said Sonoma Police Sgt. Darin Dougherty, “but there’s really been an uptick lately.” The bank charges are varied and far-flung: a movie and meal in Los Angeles appeared one bank statement, while three flights totaling $3,278 appeared on another.
Purchases originating in Singapore, South America, Nashville and Modesto were among the unauthorized charges noted. Once the card machine is compromised, Dougherty said, it’s likely the account numbers and access codes are sold to a second circle of criminals, who then manufacture phony ATM cards for immediate use.
Several of the thefts were traced to a card machine at a Sonoma retailer, which has since been secured.