HUNTSVILLE — Six people face serious charges for allegedly stealing almost $2 million from credit unions using stealthy skimming devices.
From February to June, the suspects used skimming devices and covert video cameras to steal Listerhill Credit Union and Avadian Credit Union customers’ account information, according to the indictment.
They withdrew more than $1.7 million in funds from ATMs using stolen account information, according to court documents and a news release from U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and U.S. Secret Service.
Listerhill is based in Muscle Shoals with locations across northwest Alabama. Acadian is based in Birmingham with locations in Huntsville and Madison.
RELATED: State warns businesses: Mailers not from Secretary of State
The maximum penalty for conspiracy to commit bank fraud is 30 years in prison. Aggravated identity theft carries a mandatory sentence of two years in prison.
Listerhill Credit Union issued a press release to reassure their members and promote account safety amid a nationwide rise in scams.
“Listerhill Credit Union cannot comment on ongoing investigations but we do want to express our deepest appreciation to members of law enforcement for their efforts,” the release said. ‘Most importantly, we will continue to encourage our members, and the public at large, to protect their personal financial information.”
- Visually and physically inspect card readers and pin pads before use, including covering the keypad before entering your PIN or other information;
- Review your financial accounts regularly;
- Never share passwords or personal information; and
- Always verify the identity of anyone calling or emailing to request information.
Across the country, hundreds of thousands of individuals fell victim to such attacks last year. This is more than five times the number the year prior, indicating an increase in fraud attempts at financial institutions nationwide.
RELATED: Crime Stoppers: 40 years and going strong
If an individual thinks their personal information has been fraudulently obtained, they should visit IdentityTheft.gov and contact their local financial institution immediately.
The FBI and United States Secret Service investigated the case with assistance from the Lauderdale County’s Sheriff’s Office, Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, Hoover Police Department, and the Vestavia Hills Police Department.
