Device found blocking money on ATM in Greenbelt

GREENBELT, Md. — A device was found attached to the money slot of a Bank of America ATM on Saturday in Greenbelt. 

In pictures shared by Greenbelt Police, the device appears to be a long curved piece of metal with adhesive that is placed over the slot, blocking the cash being dispensed. Police said officers checked other ATMs in the area and found one more similar device on a nearby Capital One ATM.

Police said both devices have been removed and they will contact both banks. 

The devices could be a type of fraud called cash trapping. According to the Denver Police Department, cash trapping is when a false cash dispenser is placed under the real one, allowing a thief to remove the trap and take the cash after the cardholder leaves to notify the bank that they didn’t receive their money. Greenbelt Police said they are still investigating whether this was an instance of cash trapping.

"At this time, it remains unclear whether the device used to block the money slot was part of a scheme to steal cash or was being used to create a distraction for potential other crimes," Greenbelt Police wrote in a statement to WUSA9.

This is just the latest ATM scam to pop up in Prince George's County and the DMV. We have previously reported on card skimmers found in D.C., Prince George's County and around the D.C. region. Skimming is when scammers place a device called a card skimmer on card readers to collect debit and credit card numbers, and later use the card information to make fraudulent purchases. A warning was issued to Price George's County residents last May after eight skimming devices were found in stores across the county.

Greenbelt Police are asking that if you encounter one of these devices in the city, call them at 301-474-7200. If you are outside Greenbelt, contact your local agency.