Two men sought after card skimmer attached to ATM in Friendswood

FRIENDSWOOD, TX (KTRK) -- A surveillance camera caught a couple of men attaching a skimming device to an ATM inside a Valero convenience store in Friendswood and now police are searching for them.

The incident happened at the store at 700 W. Parkwood Avenue on November 26. Surveillance images show one man acting as a lookout while police say the other installed the debit and credit card reading device on the ATM.

Both men appear to be young Middle Eastern males, possibly 20 to 30 years of age, according to police.

The skimmer was noticed by a Corner Store loss prevention specialist who was doing routine checks of the ATM. Officers also found a small camera which recorded customers' PINs.

Debit and credit cards used at the Valero ATM are considered at risk. Customers who used the ATM should notify their bank and ask that a new credit/debit card be issued immediately.

Authorities say this case serves a reminder for consumers to look twice at the machine they are swiping a credit or debit card through. Experts say another safeguard is to cover your hand while typing in a PIN in case a nearby device is recording what you type.

If you have any information on the suspects caught on camera, you're being asked to call the Friendswood Police Department at 281-996-3300. Anyone can report an anonymous tips to Galveston County Crime Stoppers at 409-763-TIPS (8477).