Toronto police have busted an ATM scheme in the city worth close to $300,000 following a two-week investigation.
Five Toronto men are facing a list 158 of charges in connection to the scheme. The accused are alleged to have stolen valuable information by installing a pinhole camera on various machines across the GTA.
The information was then immediately downloaded from the camera to their personal computers, and used to make counterfeit cards. It's believed there are at least 60 victims.
After a search warrant was executed at a Toronto apartment, police seized counterfeit cards, laptop computers, several pinhole cameras, card−reader overlays, electronics and manufacturing tools.
Calin Nicusor Nicula, 26, Ionut Oltean, 29, Petru Mosneag, 43, and Jozsef Kiss, 41, are all facing several charges including theft and fraud.
Editor's Note: CP24.com has removed the name of a fourth suspect initially named in this case. Court documents show all charges against the man were dropped and the case against him was dismissed.
Police have the following tips for ATM users:
- Cover up your PIN when using the machine.
- Report any suspicious activity to banking staff.
- Check your bank statements for irregularities.
Anyone with information on people who may be involved in this type of crime is asked to call police at 416-808-7300 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS.
