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Police Say Tech-Savvy Thief Has Skimmed $100,000 From ATMs

By WTOP Staff

Suspect in region-wide ATM skimming spree, Photos via Maryland State Police Suspect in region-wide ATM skimming spree, Photos via Maryland State Police

Maryland State Police are looking for a man they say has been stealing ATM card and code numbers off scores of people throughout Maryland and the region — to the tune of more than $100,000.

State Police were contacted by Olney-based Sandy Spring Bank last week with photos showing the suspect and evidence showing how the man is collecting ATM card data.

Police said the evidence indicates the man inserts a hard to see device into ATM machines that records magnetic strip information on ATM cards. Police said the man also installs an overhead camera on the ATM in order to record each customer’s password.

Once that information is stolen, police said it can be used to make unauthorized transactions in the accounts of unsuspecting victims.

State Police, working with local police in jurisdictions including Montgomery County, said they believe the amount of money this suspect has stolen is more than $100,000 from “scores of people” in multiple counties and possibly “one or more” bordering states.

In a press release on Monday, State Police did not specify in which counties or in which areas ATMs have been skimmed.

They also released two ATM surveillance photos of the suspect in the hope that someone can help identify him.

Sandy Spring Bank, which has multiple locations in the Bethesda and North Bethesda area, is offering a $10,000 reward for any information leading to the identification and arrest of the suspect. Anyone with information can contact the 24-hour tip line at the Maryland Coordination and Analysis Center at 1-800-492-TIPS.

Thieves using skimming technology to steal ATM card information is a persistent issue for banks around the country and region. Last year, Montgomery County Police said two men were using a skimming device at two ATMs in Bethesda and Chevy Chase.

Police provided the following list of tips for bank customers to protect their information:

•Review your account statements regularly and promptly report any errors.

•Request a new PIN and change it regularly to safeguard against unauthorized ATM and debit card usage.

•Cover the keypad with your other hand to block another person or a camera from viewing your PIN entry.

•Never provide your card information to anyone over the phone when you did not initiate the call.

•Sign up for text or email alerts to inform you when a change in your account occurs, such as low balance or irregular account activity.

•Keep your PIN separate from your card.

•Be aware of ATMs that appear to have been altered. If anything on the front of the machine looks crooked, loose or damaged, it could be a sign that someone attached a skimming device.

•Notify your bank immediately if your card is retained or gets stuck in any ATM machine, so your card can be blocked.

•Provide your bank with your updated phone numbers, so you can be contacted if suspicious activity is detected.

Photos via Maryland State Police

Don’t Settle for Student Loans to Pay for Online Education

By WTOP Staff
Online college programs are becoming a more popular choice for prospective students, with one study finding that more than 6 million students enrolled in at least one online course in fall 2015. The popularity of these courses can be attributed in part to their flexibility with working adults' schedules, students' ability to progress more quickly through online programs and, oftentimes, cheaper tuition. [See 10 low-cost online bachelor's programs for out-of-state students.]Online degrees can be beneficial to many college students, but some studies have shown online learners complete their programs at lower rates than students at traditional brick-and-mortar campuses. Individuals with student loans but no degree comprise two-thirds of defaulted borrowers. Though these numbers are not encouraging, just like for traditional programs, there are ways to reduce how much you'll need to borrow for an online program to ensure you won't become one of these statistics. Don't just settle on borrowing student loans to cover the whole cost of your program and living expenses. Instead, start thinking about how to cut costs and cover your balance in different ways, such as the following. -- Grants and scholarships: Even though you are taking an online course, you can still apply and receive grants and scholarships. But your first step should be to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly referred to as the FAFSA, which will allow you to receive a Pell Grant if your expected family contribution is low enough. The EFC criteria and award amounts are adjusted annually, but the 2017-2018 academic year awards range from $606 to $5,920, which could significantly lower the amount you borrow annually. Your next step is to apply for scholarships. You can start by checking online scholarship search engines, such as the Salt Scholarship Search, College Board's BigFuture and Peterson's. But don't forget to take advantage of local organizations and your school's financial aid office. Both may offer scholarships that you can't find with a national scholarship search. [Review these 10 sites to kick off your scholarship search.]For instance, organizations like the Elks Club, Knights of Columbus or the Rotary Club typically offer scholarships annually to local students. Just because you're going to school online doesn't mean you're ineligible. Visit your local library for scholarship listings, and ask around town. You might be surprised how many local organizations offer scholarships. While these scholarships typically aren't large, every little bit counts. Each dollar you receive in a scholarship is a dollar you don't have to borrow and pay interest on. -- Work-study: Another option for online students may be work-study awards. Not all students enrolled in online programs are eligible, but students at some schools -- including, for example, SUNY Empire State College and Liberty University -- are. Work-study awards are not given upfront like scholarships and grants. In most cases, they are an offer to earn up to the awarded amount if you secure an eligible work-study job. While there is a misconception that all work-study jobs must be on campus, students can work for off-campus, nonprofit or public employers as long as the work is in the public's interest. You may be able to work for a for-profit employer if the job is relevant to your course of study. No matter who the outside employer is, it will need to have an established agreement with your college for you to receive work-study funds. Remember, to be eligible for federal financial aid, you must be enrolled and pursuing a degree or certificate. If you're not working toward a credential, Pell Grants and work-study won't be option, but you may still be able to take advantage of private scholarships -- just be sure to read the eligibility criteria carefully. [Explore what to know about financial aid in online programs.]-- Pay as you go: One of the great benefits to enrolling online is the flexible schedule, which can allow you to complete your college coursework around your responsibilities. But prospective students often overlook using their part- or full-time job earnings as an option for paying for college. Almost 80 percent of college students in 2015 worked at least part time while attending classes, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. By budgeting and thinking strategically about your college costs, you can likely reduce your dependence on student loans by paying a portion out of pocket. Many -- but not all -- online programs are less expensive than traditional programs and often have shorter payment periods. Six, eight or 10 weeks are common course durations. Because of the frequency of payments in an online setting, you may be well-placed to pay as you go and possibly avoid borrowing altogether. Attending college online and avoiding student loans may be challenging, but if you are willing to put in the effort, you can limit the amount you need to borrow. More from U.S. News Q&A: Understanding Student Loan Discharge Eligibility Student Loan Refinancing Isn't Right for All Borrowers
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